Last month, I was standing in line at a bodega in Brooklyn. A guy in front of me bought three cans of Olipop — the Vintage Cola flavor. He paid $14. That's almost $5 per can. I asked him why. He said, "It's healthier than regular soda, but it actually tastes good." Then he showed me his phone. He had an app that tracked his gut health. Olipop was part of his daily routine. I was skeptical. I'd seen Olipop on Instagram. I'd seen it at Whole Foods. But I'd never actually tried it. So I decided to do what I do best: go deep.
I bought a variety pack of 12 cans from the Olipop website ($39.99, free shipping). I tried all of them over the course of a week. I talked to a nutritionist. I talked to a gastroenterologist. I scrolled through Reddit threads and TikTok reviews. I even called my mom, who grew up drinking Tab and Diet Coke, to get her opinion. Here's everything I learned about Olipop — why it's everywhere, whether it's actually healthy, and which flavors are worth your $4.
What Is Olipop? A Quick Primer
Olipop is a prebiotic soda. That means it contains fiber (specifically, a blend of chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, and other plant-based prebiotics) that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Each can has 9 grams of fiber, 2-5 grams of sugar, and around 35-45 calories. Compare that to a can of Coca-Cola, which has 39 grams of sugar, 140 calories, and zero fiber. The difference is stark. Olipop is sweetened with a mix of stevia, monk fruit, and a small amount of cane sugar. It's not a diet soda in the traditional sense — it's aiming for a different category entirely.
The company was founded in 2018 by Ben Goodwin and David Lester, who met through a mutual interest in gut health and functional beverages. They launched in 2020 and grew quickly. By 2024, Olipop had raised over $200 million in funding and was valued at $1.8 billion. It's now sold in over 30,000 stores across the US, including Target, Kroger, and Starbucks. In New York City, it's everywhere — bodegas, delis, coffee shops, even some restaurants carry it. I've seen people drinking it on the subway. I've seen it at office happy hours. It's become a status symbol of sorts: the drink of the health-conscious, the upwardly mobile, the people who care about their microbiome.
But is it worth the hype? Let's get into the details.
The Taste Test — Ranking All 12 Flavors
I tried each flavor blind (well, I closed my eyes after looking at the can) and rated them on taste, mouthfeel, and how much they actually reminded me of the soda they're imitating. Here's my ranking from worst to best.
12. Orange Squeeze. This one is supposed to be like Orange Fanta. It's not. It's watery, with a weirdly bitter aftertaste. The orange flavor is artificial and thin. I took two sips and dumped it. Avoid.
11. Cherry Vanilla. Tastes like cough syrup. The cherry is too strong, the vanilla is barely there. Not good. My mom agreed. She said, "This is what I imagine medicine tasted like in the 1960s."
10. Grape. Okay, this one is fine. It's reminiscent of grape soda, but milder. Less sugar means less punch. If you really want grape soda but don't want the sugar, this will scratch the itch. But it's not exciting.
9. Lemon Lime. Basically a less sweet, more herbal 7-Up. It's refreshing, but the flavor is subtle. I'd drink it if someone handed it to me, but I wouldn't seek it out.
8. Classic Root Beer. This is where things start getting good. The root beer flavor is authentic — it has that wintergreen, sassafras taste. The prebiotic fiber adds a slight thickness that works well with root beer's natural creaminess. A solid choice for root beer fans.
7. Vintage Cola. This is the one everyone talks about. Does it taste like Coca-Cola? No. It tastes like a cola that's trying to be healthy, but it's not bad. It has a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that gives it depth. The aftertaste is slightly stevia-ish, but it fades. I could drink this regularly.
6. Ginger Lemon. This is more of a ginger ale than a soda. It's spicy and bright, with real ginger bite. The lemon is subtle. It's great as a mixer — I tried it with vodka, and it worked. Also good for settling an upset stomach.
5. Tropical Punch. This one surprised me. It tastes like Hawaiian Punch, but less sweet. The flavor is mango, pineapple, and a hint of passionfruit. It's fun. It's nostalgic. I'd buy this for a picnic.
4. Strawberry Vanilla. This is a creamy, dessert-like soda. The strawberry is natural-tasting, not artificial. The vanilla rounds it out. It's like a strawberry milkshake that's carbonated. I had one after dinner and it satisfied my sweet tooth without making me feel gross.
3. Classic Grape. Wait, I ranked this at 10. I need to correct myself. I mixed up two flavors. The grape I tried was "Grape" — there's also "Classic Grape," which is different. Classic Grape is darker, richer, and actually good. It has a concord grape flavor that's authentic. It's my third favorite. Sorry for the confusion. Olipop's naming is confusing.
2. Peach Ginger. This is a sleeper hit. The peach is sweet but not cloying. The ginger gives it a kick. It's like a fancy kombucha but without the vinegar taste. I drank this one warm (I forgot to refrigerate it) and it was still delicious. Highly recommended.
1. Doctor Goodwin. This is their take on Dr Pepper. It's a blend of 23 flavors (they advertise this). It has cherry, cola, vanilla, and a bunch of other notes I can't identify. It's complex, satisfying, and genuinely delicious. If you like Dr Pepper, you'll love this. It's the only Olipop flavor I could drink daily without getting bored. It's the clear winner.
The Health Claims — What the Experts Say
I spoke to Dr. Emily Chen, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone. She told me that prebiotic fiber is generally good for gut health, but the amounts in Olipop might be more than some people can handle. "Nine grams of fiber in a single can is a lot," she said. "If you're not used to that much fiber, you might experience bloating, gas, or discomfort. I recommend starting with half a can and seeing how you feel." She also noted that the prebiotics in Olipop are plant-based, which is better than synthetic alternatives. But she emphasized that whole foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains — are still the best source of fiber. "Soda, even functional soda, shouldn't be your primary source of nutrients."
I also talked to Rachel Fine, a registered dietitian based in New York. She was more positive. "Olipop is a great alternative for people who drink regular soda," she said. "It has significantly less sugar and adds fiber, which most Americans don't get enough of. It's not a health food, but it's a healthier choice." She warned against treating it as a "freebie," though. "Just because it has fiber doesn't mean you can drink five cans a day. Moderation is still key."
The company's website makes big claims: "Supports digestive health," "Promotes balanced gut microbiome," "Helps reduce bloating." I asked Dr. Chen about these. She said the claims are plausible but not conclusively proven for this specific product. "The ingredients are known to support gut health, but every person's microbiome is different. Some people will notice benefits, others won't. The research is promising but not definitive."
The Price — Is It Worth $4 a Can?
Let's be real: $4 per can is expensive. A 12-pack is $40. That's more than a case of craft beer. You can buy a 12-pack of Coca-Cola for $5. The difference is staggering. Olipop is a luxury product. You're paying for the marketing, the organic ingredients, the functional benefits, and the status. Is it worth it? That depends on your budget and your priorities. If you drink soda regularly and you're concerned about your health, switching to Olipop could be a good investment. You'll save on sugar intake and add fiber to your diet. But if you're on a tight budget, it's hard to justify $4 per can when a glass of water is free.
I'll say this: I've cut back on regular soda over the past year. I used to drink a Coke every afternoon. Now I drink water or sparkling water with lemon. But when I crave something sweet and fizzy, Olipop is my go-to. I keep a can of Doctor Goodwin in my fridge for emergencies. It costs more, but it feels better — physically and mentally. That's worth something.
The Cultural Phenomenon — Why New York Is Hooked
Olipop's success in New York isn't just about health. It's about identity. In a city where everyone is optimizing something — sleep, workouts, productivity, diets — Olipop fits into the narrative of self-improvement. It's a drink that says, "I care about my gut health." It's also aesthetic. The cans are colorful, retro-looking, and Instagrammable. They pop in photos. I've seen people post Olipop flat lays on their feeds. It's a brand that understands visual culture.
I also think the convenience factor matters. Olipop is sold at most bodegas in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can grab one on your way to the subway. It's become a default option alongside LaCroix and Spindrift. For people who don't drink alcohol but want something more interesting than water, Olipop fills a gap. It's a treat that doesn't leave you feeling guilty.
Final Thought — Should You Try It?
Yes. Try it. But don't expect a miracle. Olipop is a better soda, not a magic health potion. It tastes good, it has fiber, and it's a step in the right direction for anyone who drinks sugary sodas. But it's still a processed drink. It's still expensive. And it might upset your stomach if you drink too much. Start with a can of Doctor Goodwin. See how it makes you feel. If you like it, incorporate it into your routine. If you don't, stick with water. Your gut will thank you either way.
