Hi everyone,

When I first started developing what would eventually become OLIPOP, I had a simple but ambitious belief: soda could do more than just taste great—it could actually be good for you. I was driven by a bigger vision: making healthier choices feel more accessible, enjoyable, and, honestly, fun. I believed then (and still do) that you shouldn’t have to choose between something you love and something that actually supports your health.

OLIPOP was founded on a mission to positively impact consumer health at scale, serving as a Trojan Horse by transforming one of the most beloved, but traditionally unhealthy products, into something that delivers both flavor and real digestive health benefits. That’s why we don’t just focus on crafting delicious, nostalgic flavors—we make sure OLIPOP is grounded in science.

Today, I’m proud to share a major milestone in that journey: we’ve completed a human clinical trial to assess the impact on blood sugar of swapping traditional soda for a modern prebiotic soda.

Why This Study Matters

Here’s the reality: Over 98 million American adults—that’s more than 1 in 3—are living with prediabetes, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. [1] 

A key contributor? Sugar-sweetened beverages. This is the leading source of calories and added sugar in the American Diet. [2] Traditional sodas can cause sharp blood sugar spikes, which, over time, may contribute to metabolic health challenges. Given these links between sugar, blood sugar response, and long-term health, we saw both an opportunity and a responsibility to better understand how OLIPOP fits into this picture. 

What We Studied

We conducted a real-world evidence, at-home human clinical pilot study comparing OLIPOP Vintage Cola to a leading traditional cola. The focus was on blood sugar response in healthy adults without diabetes, both in a fasted state and when consumed with a carbohydrate-rich meal, because, let’s face it, soda and food often go hand in hand. Over a 2- to 3-hour period, we measured a range of glycemic outcomes to see how each beverage impacted participants' blood sugar levels.

This study is part of our efforts to set the standard for scientific research in functional soda, ensuring that what we craft is not only delicious but thoughtfully formulated to support better-for-you outcomes compared to traditional options. 

What We Found

The results were promising and aligned with why we created OLIPOP in the first place. 

Participants consuming OLIPOP Vintage Cola showed a better-for-you blood sugar response compared to those who consumed traditional cola. This was true both when participants consumed the soda on its own and when they paired the soda with a carbohydrate-rich meal. We observed a slower rise to peak blood sugar levels with OLIPOP, suggesting a steadier response. 

If you’re curious to dive into the data, we’ve made the study available on MedRxiv, a leading preprint server for scientific journals.

Holistic Health

OLIPOP’s fiber content may have been a contributing factor. Fiber helps slow sugar absorption, helping to minimize quick blood sugar spikes typically associated with traditional soda. This is important for metabolic health because consistent, significant blood sugar spikes may contribute to future cardiometabolic issues.

However, that’s only part of the story. Scientific research has shown that the fermentation of prebiotic fibers (such as those used in OLIPOP!) by beneficial gut bacteria can potentially produce short-chain fatty acids—compounds which support metabolic health. 

This scientific research, along with our human clinical pilot study, serves as further confirmation that OLIPOP’s formulation is designed with a holistic view of health in mind, showcasing our commitment to science.

This Is Just the Beginning

While the differences between OLIPOP and traditional sodas might seem obvious to many of us, conducting this kind of research is critical. It not only helps set a higher standard for the category but also lays the groundwork for deeper insights and continued innovation moving forward. This pilot study is another crucial step, but it’s far from the finish line. Science will always be at the heart of OLIPOP, and we’re committed to utilizing data-driven insights to continuously improve our offerings.

Our commitment is simple: keep delivering products that taste like a treat but are backed by rigorous, thoughtful research. That’s how we fulfill our mission—not just by reimagining soda, but by making it easier (and more enjoyable) for people to choose options that support long-term health. 

Thank you for being part of this journey and for trusting us to lead the way in functional beverages. We’re excited to keep raising the bar—one delicious, science-backed sip at a time. 

Best, 

Ben Goodwin

CEO, Co-Founder, & Formulator

Sources

1. Prediabetes: Could It Be You? (2022). In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/communication-resources/prediabetes-statistics.html 
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.