OLIPOP is bubbling up health-conscious excitement in the soft drink aisle. Crafted by founders Ben Goodwin and David Lester, OLIPOP merges soda with science—offering prebiotic fiber and reduced sugar without sacrificing taste. Here’s how OLIPOP balances wellness and environmental responsibility—and what still needs work.
The Vision Behind the Fizz
Born from a shared mission over a decade ago, OLIPOP’s founders aimed to “bring back joy to soda while giving people tools to feel better.” That mission is built on shifting traditional soda into something transformative.
Ingredients & Digestive Benefit
OLIPOP’s proprietary “OLISmart” blend blends cassava root fiber, inulin from chicory and Jerusalem artichoke, nopal cactus, calendula, kudzu root, and more—all selected to nourish gut health. Each can delivers an impressive 9 grams of prebiotic fiber, while keeping sugar content low (2–5g).
Sustainability: What’s Buzzing—and What Needs Work
Strong Points in the Can:
- Public Benefit Corporation & B Corp Certified
OLIPOP became a Certified B Corporation in 2023, committing to high standards of environmental and social transparency. - Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) & GHG Tracking
Since 2022, OLIPOP has conducted regular LCAs and greenhouse gas inventories to identify environmental impact across sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging—informing greener decisions. - Aluminum Packaging & Recycling Initiatives
OLIPOP uses lightweight, infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, optimizing shipping routes and using How2Recycle labels to support consumer recycling. - Exploring Regenerative Sourcing
The brand is exploring regenerative agriculture in ingredient sourcing to boost soil health and biodiversity. - Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability Manager Elric Centers leads OLIPOP with a vision to champion people and planet—demonstrating internal commitment from the top down.
Sustainability Gaps to Watch:
- No Climate-Neutral Certification Yet
OLIPOP aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, but as of now, it has no external climate-neutral certification or offset plan disclosed. - Limited Third-Party Transparency
While the brand shares LCAs and reporting, more granular public data—like full emissions breakdown by stage—remains limited.
Innovation & Market Momentum
- OLIPOP leads the prebiotic soda category: a Bon Appétit taste test named it “the best prebiotic soda overall” for its flavor and high fiber content.
- Dietitians often recommend it as a healthier alternative to traditional sodas—citing its gut-friendly benefits and lower sugar.
Final Thoughts
OLIPOP dares to reinvent soda—unlocking gut health without sugar overload, all while weaving in authentic sustainability actions. From B Corp certification to active LCAs, it’s clear the brand cares. But full accountability demands more—filling in transparency gaps and achieving climate leadership to match their product innovation.
If you’re curious or cautious, that’s great. Let’s sip on healthier, more thoughtful options—and expect brands to keep rising to the sustainability challenge.
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