We Built Olipop: A $20 Million A Month Soda Company In 5 Years

Olipop has skyrocketed to prominence in the multibillion-dollar soda market with its healthy prebiotic soda. Leading the way to this success are the founders of Olipop, Ben Goodwin and David Lester. Learn how they turned a $100,000 investment into a multimillion-dollar soda company.
Produced, Shot and Edited by: Lauren Shamo
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Camera: Jes Gallegos
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Morgan Smith
Additional Footage: Olipop Soda, Getty Images
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We Built Olipop: A $20 Million A Month Soda Company In 5 Years

[@posthocprior]

It's amazing that this series on CNBC highlights all these founders and brands, most with more than a hundred million in revenue, and I've never heard of any of them.

[@youtubyoutub2304]

There’s like 10,000 KZbin accounts that have more than 1 million subscribers, I know maybe 5 of them😊

[@kendi1417]

This series has become a long form advertisement platform for venture backed food plays looking to drum up awareness so investors can exit.

[@nakrinoban6394]

@@youtubyoutub2304 there is over 30k channels with more than 1 million subscribers the world truly is a big place

[@davidaseweje]

@@kendi1417this guy gets it

[@odeball22]

Because cnbc is obviously pushing this.

[@HiMyNameIsKim]

I’m a soda drinker and honestly it’s one of my favorites- the Vintage Cola is the best!! And frankly, I’d grab it before a regular soda any day- if it weren’t for the price 😅

[@antaeusguy]

agree Vintage Cola taste amazing!

[@rellsimon]

The Cola, Strawberry, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, and Cream Soda are really good flavors.

[@jkkmane]

I love a good, carbonated drink especially fruit flavored sodas but i can never get myself to purchase the olipops because I can't get pass the botanicals and prebiotics. Just doesnt seem appealing drinking soda made from plants.

[@ElliottBradenS]

@@jkkmane You must not even drink tea, cocoa, or coffee then.

[@Hecticam]

@@jkkmane Oxygen is also made from plants. Have you stopped using it too?

[@bernardtarver]

A $35 12-pack. Yeah, I can imagine $20M/month in sales.

[@kristinmanchester5864]

Right 😂 jeez greedy much

[@alp.9672]

@@kristinmanchester5864 Yea it is for the affluent whole foods crowd not middle class

[@Mavryck_Tha_Myghty]

I definitely see where you are coming from. The thing is, they are consistently landing that amount, so would they charge less money for something that is clearly successful at its current price point? 🦉

[@Ploopljkklnbvyujvk9yo]

​@@Mavryck_Tha_Myghtythey could be making even more money by making its cheaper. A bottle of coca cola is 2$ and it's worth billions of dollar.

[@askyourself900]

You all can always produce than consume. Complaining doesn’t mean adjustments will be made to accommodate you! Take your risks in life!

[@armanerfanfar7397]

I love Olipop. Its kind of pricey, so I dont drink it too often. But as someone who has gut health issues, this product absolutely appeals to me.

[@Tryftz]

also try ginger

[@alvinlee2478]

I’m in love with Oliopop! Obviously they taste kinda funky, there’s 12+ flavors and I only like 2 of them (Cola & Orange) but as someone who has quit sugar for 3 years, being able to have the occasional soda back in my life for only 1/10th the sugar in a regular can of Coke has been such a delight!

[@cjusino85]

How does it compare to sugar free version of the soda? Does it taste better? Never had this ty0e of soda b4.

[@trashyraccoon2615]

Coke Zero dude

[@SomeRandomHobo44]

​@@cjusino85They are starting to appear everywhere in the country. Imo, some of these flavors are great, others are pretty gross. The coke one is great. The founder mentioned 'trying to match the flavor profiles of the sodas that customers grew up on.' The coke one isn't a 100% match, but it's pretty close. I personally prefer it over coke zero. Your mileage will vary though from person to person! I've just recently tried their lemon lime flavor (their sprite imitation) and that one was 🔥

[@Mark-sy2bx]

1/10th the taste

[@Eptiger]

@@cjusino85 Haven't tries the Cola flavor but the root beer flavor is an amazing facsimilie but not sickeningly sweet. I much prefer it to regular root beer.

[@marik1104]

I love Olipop! Orange and strawberry vanilla are my favorites. Wish it were a bit more affordable for everyone, though.

[@Mansikkacake]

yeah, i've had these few times. always selling at whole foods. bit pricey tho.

[@nadiadansani2139]

I see them at Walmart and target too and they are typically cheaper there than what I see at my grocery Store/ health food stores

[@SoCalFreelance]

Celebrity endorsements are completely unnecessarily in this day and age and only add to the cost. Every time you purchase a can of Olipop money goes into the Jonas Brothers pockets and they are laughing all the way to the bank.

[@DrLauraRPalmer]

I find them utterly disgusting. Only carbonated product I ever threw in the trash and got a refund on. I’ll still to carbonated water. It’s been a delicious alternative to soda.

[@inmortal131]

@@DrLauraRPalmertrue carbonated juice or tea too.

[@1803sunnyday]

I love Olipop vintage cola , my favorite less guilty drink, Big thanks to their creation!

[@enjoisk8a911]

I honestly had stopped drinking soda as an adult but Olipop hits the spot and you dont feel nearly as guilty. The flavors are pretty spot on for the most part

[@cherylhills3227]

It is always good to have a financial plan. I work with a professional planner and fixed-income strategist in NY. The fixed income portion of your portfolio won't simply serve as a buffer to the volatility of the equity portion of your portfolio, but will provide legitimate income.

[@braytoncornell9678]

Very true, people downplay planners role, until burnt by their mistakes. I remember just after my layoff early 2020 amidst covid outbreak, I needed to stay afloat, hence researched for license-fiduciary advisors. Thankfully, I came across someone of practical knowledge, and decades of experience, I liquidated 200k of 325k from my 401k it has yield nearly 1M after subsequent investments so far.

[@braytoncornell9678]

I've shuffled through a few experts in the past, but settled with LUCY ROSE CARTER.

[@braytoncornell9678]

The strategy she use is recession-proof, more specifically profit-oriented , and most likely, you'd find her basic info on the net, she's a renowned advisor.

[@bernardlynch5226]

Having an investment adviser is the best way to go about the market right now especially for near retirees. I've been in touch with LUCY ROSE CARTER for a while now mostly because I lack the depth knowledge and mental fortitude to deal with these recurring market conditions.

[@matteoschilcher9957]

Making investments especially for a mast number of people involves a whole lot of risk and she recognises that and best believe this is the main reason for her long term success

[@jorgebravo8290]

It is amazing product just hope as it gets more popular they don't lose the quality 🙏

[@zaprude]

It's such a smart product! It sort of covers across several different types of beverages: beer, cider, sparkling water, wine, soda and more. I can see many people opting for this instead! Seems like a good mixer for drinks as well!

[@Tristan-Fitzgerald]

Working in IT & having free softdrinks in the office, with regular changes in office & offered drinks, this sounds like a choice I'd drink everyday, while I rather want to stay drinking water usually for health reasons. Looking forward to get this!

[@kaitlynjones4948]

I drink Olipop every day. I’m so hooked. I started out drinking the root beer one then when I tried the strawberry vanilla one & that’s the only one I drink now. Every single day for lunch!!! I LOVE it. It’s usually out of stock though everywhere I go I always have to wait for the right time bc they SELL OUT it’s crazy.

[@ThisisFerrariKhan]

I bet you do a lot of shittin because of it too 😂

[@kaitlynjones4948]

@@ThisisFerrariKhan a normal amount 😂 well very regular & I love it hahahaha

[@aimeer9835]

I first discovered these last year and they’re amazing , my favs are cream soda (amazing), tropical punch , and strawberry vanilla.

[@cindy5515]

I stopped drinking soda several years ago. I’m so glad there’s a healthier alternative now!

[@iwanttotelltheworld1564]

Well done. Be BLESSED. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Dream_more_age_less]

THANK YOU for creating an alternative to conventional sodas! People like you, make this country great.

[@MinttMeringue]

Like most comments here, I think they're great but pricey. I'm okay with that as I don't drink them often. I'll always appreciate that years ago, when I ordered a variety sample pack off their website (they weren't sold at Target and grocery stores then), they refunded me. I filled out a survey talking about which flavors I liked/didn't like, and was sent a refund for every flavor I didn't like soon after with a message thanking me for filling out the survey. I still only like 4 of their flavors, but I'll always come back to them as I appreciate the company (& the fact that my stomach doesn't hurt after drinking them like with soda).

[@petertwining5729]

Such a great story, all the best to the founders and the team behind them. Another great video CNBC Make It. 😊

[@alishasuz]

I freaking love their Grape flavor! It’s always sold out in the stores so I have to order it online!

[@Jasongy827]

Amazing thing is that this company product is so good

[@RisaCookie]

Really cool story - I’m not even into special/sweet drinks and this is one of my favorite drinks of all time. The cola is incredible.

[@mayawashington-xx5nb]

I love these drinks so much! Great idea! ❤

[@AdrienneRamsey]

I haven’t ever been a fan of sodas but I do love olipop!

[@theluminarysoul]

I love Olipop. I normally drink seltzer and try to keep regular soda at a mim. Olipop is a nice treat that I love because its nowhere near as bad as regular soda.

[@philipmolina1114]

What does it taste like?

[@theluminarysoul]

@@philipmolina1114 Depends on the flavor you drink. Try one and find out for yourself.

[@enzom09]

I've been drinking Olipop for several years now and it's cool to see CNBC make a series on this! The Ginger Ale, Grape and Lemon-Lime are my favorites. The Tropical one is pretty good too.

[@andreinabarthly8543]

I hope this so soda becomes as big as Coca-cola. They need to bring this to Mexico and save all the people dying from drinking so much Coca-cola, there is an ongoing crisis of diabetes and other serious health related issues because of it. I am not even a soda drinker and I had to stop drinking alcohol for health related reasons but I love treating myself to one of these sodas. Thank you Olipop for creating a product with purpose!

[@TheRusschannel]

lol Coke will buy them b4 that ever happens

[@TheWhiteTiger101]

I actually had an Olipop today 😅. It really is an awesome drink and it’s an inspiration for someone like me in my journey to start a beverage company.

[@whyhellodear]

My friend and I first had Olipop in 2018 when we saw it at Whole Foods! The packaging was beautiful and we were mindblown by the taste. It's 2024 and we're still obsessed with Olipop :)

[@FF18Cloud]

This reminds me of an indie rogue-like zelda-like game that gave me this whole, mental breakdown from my job at the time working as a software engineer in a major finance company, where i was workint 16 hours a day during the peak of covid. Pretty sure olipop doesnt work the same way as how that game's beverage company was, but man, did this give me some whiplash. Good drink, though, i think i had the ginger lemon before.

[@mvadu]

Wait, out of 100k 70 went into branding and only 30k was needed for mass producing the actual product!!?

[@fightsports66]

My guess is they don’t. They probably went to a bigger company and pay to use their bottling plant.

[@HJima]

Branding can be pricey, but thats astronomical, I can't figure out how 30k was used for mass producing the product?? Aluminum is cheap..maybe they outsourced?

[@Fkamynk]

Im obsessed with this soda 😭 I had to get a mini fridge for my room just for olipop

[@user-uo3fb1sc2d]

See these at the stores all the time but haven't had the chance to try. Gonna try now.

[@AlexisWhidbee]

I’m a big Olipop fan! I haven’t had regular soda in over a year 🙌🏾

[@ebonycarlaaa]

I discovered this brand last month and am HOOKED! My fav flavors are Ginger Lemon and Tropical Punch (guava and passion fruit, yum!). I find the original flavors are tastier than their OG soda knockoffs like Vintage Cola or Rootbeer (probably because you can try them without expectations or something to compare it to). I’m excited to try the seasonal Apple Crisp. Sometimes they’re on sale at Whole Foods or Target, so I try to grab them there. Hopefully they find a way to lower the price point in the future because it is pretty pricey. $36+ shipping for a 12-pack is just out of reach for most families.

[@NightSkyTower]

Question...missing the connection....how are the juices getting canned? Are they outsourcing the juices to be produced at a different firm? Or oli makes it in their own shop and send the juices to different vendors to be canned and distributed?

[@ben-mr.business]

I'm curious about this as well

[@michaelandrenio993]

Jobs will pay your bills business will make you rich but investment makes and you keep you wealthy the future is inevitable, I pray everyone here becomes successful

[@madiezancanellatl9205]

Assets that can make you rich Bitcoin Stocks Real estate

[@christianajoe8563]

​@@madiezancanellatl9205You're right, it's obvious a lot of people remain poor due to ignorance

[@lindapoplin7150]

I'm looking for something to venture into on a short term basis, I have about $6k sitting in my savings

[@popsarah7805]

​@@lindapoplin7150I'm enjoying working under a platform that brings good return in my life and I've been making my weekly returns without stress all in cryptocurrency

[@popsarah7805]

​@@lindapoplin7150Learn and trade under a guide I do same and I hardly make losses in the market

[@PoSHEmediaglobal]

$70000 in branding 😮 woah

[@iAmTan_1]

Olipop is amazing. Bought my first one a few months ago and now I’m hooked. Great concept!

[@kgal1298]

I've tried them, but people really shouldn't drink more than one per day. I don't know if any users have experienced it, but over-consuming pre-biotics can cause issues if you aren't aware of your body.

[@ShondaD_]

Love Olipop. And it doesn’t have all that crap in it like other soda pops do. Root beer, orange and grape are my faves😊

[@zaxlee01]

This is no different than an ad.

[@diamondkid333]

i literally drank this yesterday. good stuff

[@andrewjpalla]

This product seems truly innovative. A soda with 5g of sugar and 9g of fiber in a can? Sounds too good to be true!

[@Dayvit78]

Those aren't the USP. There are plenty of sodas with 0g of sugar. It's more about probiotics

[@GameFuMaster]

The fiber is the off putting part

[@fabiosuccess2895]

Olipop grape, tropical punch, and strawberry vanilla are the best!! Happy to pop one up, wish it was a little bit more affordable. Sometimes they are on sale at Target, Whole Foods.

[@Samuel-er5bf]

I had one in Chicago it was pretty good. Going to try some more

[@brycecolwell4304]

I had a similar product in my local Co-op a few weeks back, it was drinkable but not enjoyable. tonight I had the Olipop Rootbeer, and I was blown away by just how close they got. But what really amazes me is how many different roots are in the ingredients and what they must know and go through to try all that together. I'm a hooked customer. Soda that taste like Soda but is good for you, in moderation? subscribed.

[@cooltrucly]

the strawberry vanilla flavor is soooooooo good ❤

[@liyanlamyla]

I remember when it first came out in a grocery store near me during the beginning of covid and I was buying the cans for literally $1.08!!!!! Idk how but I was and I miss those days 🥲

[@qicle]

I would guzzle these down daily if it weren’t so expensive

[@weeepsify]

What a good concept and beautiful packaging gets you

[@somerandomfella]

I've actually been through exactly they've been through but due to Covid did not proceed. Had a good look at their ingredients list and they've used quality ingredients. Although I haven't tasted their drinks I can tell you that they must of heavily disguised the flavour of the ingredients. Hopefully it taste nice and isn't like sugary syrup soda.

[@IvoryJake]

From experience, no sugary syrup taste at all. Some are definitely an acquired taste, but most are honestly very well made and taste great.

[@natashangambi4212]

tried Olipop after watching this video. tried the grape flavor loved it

[@francispena2818]

The cherry vanilla is really something else I can't get enough of it

[@jonl6406]

found this for the first time at costco, didnt know what it was but its pretty good for a healthy soda. Def taste the stevia in there so if you don't like that sweetner, you'll prob dislike this

[@milkcultleader2706]

Its just slightly unhealthier sparkling water

[@LearningToLove..]

Sure. However, for those of us that don’t like sparkling water & don’t drink traditional pop, this product is a winner. A true happy medium! Nevertheless, you have a point lol

[@gee9172]

how is sparkling water unhealthy?

[@milkcultleader2706]

@@gee9172 i just said this is slightly unhealthier then sparkling water, not that sparkling water is unhealthy

[@journeytoabetteru]

I don’t drink traditional soda but tried this on a whim and now I Love Olipop! Dr. Goodwin and Creme Soda are my fave flavors!

[@StarLababy12]

My two favorite too ❤

[@richardparker123]

I would have assumed the founder of Olipop would have looked a lot healthier, tbh.

[@AL-lh2ht]

You may not like that but that is peak physically performance. (When someone is a chemist)

[@annab3698]

I agree. He’s also not a chemist but a college dropout.

[@HoustonHomesForSale.]

I absolutely love Olipop. I typically order mine by the case.

[@huhbora]

I really like the Strawberry Vanilla Olipop. I'm glad you guys made it! I like how it is good for gut health and is like a "healthy soda".

[@joblesstess]

is it available in Netherlands??

[@rocksdxebec3406]

I am just having an olipop right now.... It is pricey but delicious and definitely feels way different than the average soda

[@D_veraz]

Seems like a great product, gotta try it soon, im surprised they had their company Obi bought and didnt get a non compete lol.

[@Alicia-eh7uu]

I'm surprised too

[@zazaiowens1407]

I love olipop. It’s worth the cost. Regular pop is deadly to consume.

[@zensoundsarah9209]

the weird thing about olipop is its marketed to soda drinkers but doesnt address that most soda drinkers drink soft drinks as a substitute for water. I come from a family that drinks coke like it still has it's original recipe levels of addiction. Meanwhile you can't really drink more than 2 olipop recommended because of the fiber content... i made the mistake of drinking a whole box and regretted it the next morning.

[@sameernagra4015]

It’s marketing audience is health conscious soda drinkers which is why they don’t sell liters or expect anyone to drink that much a day lol

[@TheMegaTushar]

What happened the next norning? Plz tell

[@zensoundsarah9209]

was really bloated and felt sick. Usual thing that happens if you take in too much fiber @@TheMegaTushar

[@zensoundsarah9209]

that the point im making. No such thing as a health conscious soda drinker lol i dont drink baja blast because its good for me i drink it cause its baja blast and its going to blast me into diabetes and losing my teeth@@sameernagra4015

[@MELANIEPADRON]

Love this product, winged me off my sweet drink addiction! Plus helps with my IBS

[@rubengonzalez2233]

Literally tried ollipop 2 days before this video popped up on my feed

[@hermelyndapickleball]

I'm drinking their Classic Root Beer right now! So good! Yesterday I LOVED the cream soda! Tomorrow I'll enjoy Grape. 😊

[@THEWORDONTECH]

I buy a bunch of sodas, some Olipop, and other healthy sodas to get more variety and to save a little money. They are one of the better-tasting and healthier choices but they are around $2.50 a can where I am. Still worth it, they put a lot of good stuff in the can.

[@amandaadams1759]

I love these! The banana flavor tastes better than any soda I've ever had.

[@CrabNoodleSoupp]

I'm curious how the drink manufacturing works, with just $100k in original funding.

[@zene2550]

I love their stuff

[@therecruiterchick]

The taste profile is completely off, I actually purchased this because an influencer used it with all of her meals. $3-$4 for one can was out of my price range but I decided to purchase the Strawberry Vanilla, can’t say that I would purchase again because it has the flavor of sparkling water.

[@kbop]

Great video, I really do love sports gambling but knowing the psychology of the books is a must and managing the percentage of money you bet within your account is the only real way to keep it a healthy hobby

[@sashakys]

i tried the rootbeer today, it was really good!

[@downey416Toronto]

20 MILLION a month wow

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

If this stuff is in the Rocket Fizz store, I'll probably try it out someday.

[@mistersir3185]

I love this soda! These guys deserve all the success. A tasty Soda with no more than 6g of sugar? I don't even wanna compare this brand to other sodas out there. They're not on the same mission. This is a very distinct soda.

[@alanguzman144]

Ollipop is great love it ! I need a hoodie :)

[@henryzmoves]

This is mine and my girlfriend’s treat drink! Absolutely love it!

[@renecialbrewton9859]

Favorite drinks❤

[@whyhellodear]

That feeling when you remember there's an Olipop in your fridge 💗

[@AT1NE]

I love the grape one, it's so hard to find sugar free grape soda in stores (trust me I've tried) and this one is amazing

[@bigyardstyle00]

Any day now, Big Cola is going to buy it out.

[@dymkeyes2758]

I love this drink strawberry vanilla is my fav

[@Andre-Nader]

Picked up a case from Costco (bay area). I am a fan, my partner didn't like the stevia though.

[@conejita]

I do recommend this especially if you gotta go 💨 , it’s so much better than prune juice or magnesia

[@a7medsharaf1]

Amazing story

[@JGonzalez85]

What’s that handheld microscope he’s looking through? Is it real or just made for this video?

[@raffaeleantonio]

I love the Vintage Cola version with a slice of pizza. Delicious.

[@undertheivy299]

I love Olipop!

[@XuongChau-ie3dt]

The lemon-line is 🔥🔥🔥

[@techboss202]

If they could make a mtn dew version, that would be amazing!

[@natalienewtonebookwriteram1399]

Glad they clarified the name. I legit thought maybe someone was called Oliver and it was a play on the word Lollipop also; my bad!

[@warriorrcatsarecoolaj1670]

XD true

[@CocosTube]

they changed the game!

[@Kristinareneewise]

This is my favorite drink and I have one every day!!!!

[@alexs2941]

That thing is dope I love it.

[@danchilton7643]

Out of derision, we use to call Olympia beer from the state of Washington "OLY Pop"

[@PrettyNSecure]

I’m glad they never gave up 🎉

[@randomkevinislasok]

I love olipop it’s so good I want it at Costco in bulk and at Sam’s club