Using persuasive influences and marketing tactics, some teenagers are now more inclined to make healthy decisions regarding their diet, giving Poppi and Olipop a popular uproar among students indulging in the latest trends.
For licensed dietitian nutritionist (LDN) Gina Ellery, a healthy beverage must have some form of nutritional value to the body.
“What constitutes a ‘healthy’ beverage is if it provides some type of nutrition-related health benefit without the addition of added sugars, unhealthy fats, or artificial sweeteners,” Ellery said.
According to LDN Barbara MacFarland, healthy sodas don’t provide the body with any nutrients; however, they are an alternative beverage option.
“[Poppi and Olipop] do not truly promote health or nourish the body in the way whole foods do,” Macfarland said. “Marketing terms can persuade people into thinking these drinks promote health when they are simply a better option than regular soda.”
Ellery feels that while these sodas should not be treated as having nutritional benefits, they do have optimistic aspects.
“These sodas, Poppi and Olipop, rely on natural ingredients like citric acid, apple cider vinegar and fruit juices to maintain quality rather than preservatives, which is another positive component,” Ellery said.
According to family and consumer science teacher Allyson Fitzpatrick, synthetic fibers in healthy sodas do not have the same benefits as regular fiber in whole foods.
“The fiber we need actually comes from eating the flesh of fruits and vegetables. So a lot of times, when we add processed protein or processed fiber,” Fitzpatrick said, “we’re not actually getting the benefits from real protein and real fiber from whole foods.”
Ellery feels that measuring the effectiveness of the healthy components listed in the beverages isn’t linear.
“The addition of vitamins to beverages is hard to ensure accuracy, as this supplementation is not regulated,” Ellery said. “It is always best to consume vitamins and minerals from whole foods, where you can ensure that these foods will provide your body with what it needs.”
According to LDN Kristin Kleinschmidt, Poppi and Olipop have minor benefits to consumers’ health.
“Poppi has about 2–3g of fiber per can and Olipop has 6–9g. That’s helpful, but still far below the 25–31g teens need each day,” Kleinschmidt said.
For Fitzpatrick, she is pleased that students are turning to healthier options, but wishes they would put more research into the ingredient list.
“I like the fact that it’s the health aspect that is attracting students, I just wish they were savvier consumers,” Fitzpatrick said.
According to wellness teacher Karin Clark, teenagers are more susceptible to marketing tactics and celebrity influence.
“This age group is huge into the social media influencers, so when one influencer gets behind it, everybody’s going to buy it, “ Clark said. “They’re definitely falling into the trap; marketing is always going to win.”
For junior Andara Quigley, the marketing aspect distracts consumers from reaping the benefits of the beverages.
“With the market saying things like having probiotics and more, I think all of this stuff is definitely a bit of a placebo effect,” Quigley said.
Sophomore Hayden Pickard said social media has influenced her to turn to healthier beverage alternatives.
“Marketing has definitely influenced my perception of the product’s health benefits and seeing what others have to say about the product,” Pickard said.