The objective of the SunSip launch campaign was to introduce Health-Ade’s newest innovation in the functional beverage space while redefining soda for a modern consumer. With soda consumption declining and artificial sweeteners facing scrutiny, SunSip aimed to fill the gap for a delicious, gut-friendly alternative that delivers both taste and health benefits. The campaign sought to establish SunSip as the go-to better-for-you soda, positioning it as an everyday indulgence that aligns with Health-Ade’s commitment to gut health and clean ingredients.
To drive awareness, the campaign focused on cultural relevance and experiential marketing, highlighting SunSip’s connection to summer nostalgia and the Southern California lifestyle. By partnering with GRLSWIRL, a women-led skate collective, SunSip leveraged community-driven activations to inspire adventure, movement, and fun—values that reflect the brand’s ethos. The launch strategy included a high-impact media and influencer push, with personalized deliveries to tastemakers in a SunSip-branded Bronco to evoke a modern take on classic soda moments.
Beyond awareness, the campaign was designed to educate consumers on the benefits of prebiotics and functional wellness in an accessible way. Through storytelling, influencer partnerships, and experiential sampling, SunSip aimed to not only drive trial but also shift perceptions of what soda can be. With an initial exclusive launch in Whole Foods and a nationwide rollout that followed, the campaign focused on generating demand, increasing household penetration, and ultimately expanding Health-Ade’s reach into the mainstream beverage market while maintaining its reputation as a leader in gut health innovation.
Health-Ade brought SunSip to life by identifying a key opportunity in the beverage industry: while kombucha delivers gut health benefits, it doesn’t appeal to all consumers or fit every drinking occasion. With traditional soda consumption declining and better-for-you drinks often missing the mark on taste, SunSip was created as a game-changing alternative—one that delivers the nostalgic experience of soda with added gut-health benefits, clean ingredients, and craveable flavors.
The challenge was twofold: balancing taste and functionality while differentiating SunSip in the crowded prebiotic soda space. Consumers increasingly reject artificial sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and allulose due to concerns over taste and gut health. Health-Ade had to develop a formula that provided just the right sweetness while keeping ingredients clean and functional. SunSip achieves this balance by using fruit juice, monk fruit, and cane sugar while incorporating prebiotics from agave inulin, plus vitamins and minerals to support immunity and energy.
Beyond formulation, breaking through the noise in the better-for-you beverage market required a bold and dynamic marketing strategy. To create immediate impact, SunSip leaned into experiential marketing, brand storytelling, and community-driven activations. The campaign embodied the laid-back, adventurous spirit of Southern California, tapping into nostalgia and lifestyle-driven marketing to make SunSip more than just a drink—it became an experience.
A key pillar of the launch was SunSip’s partnership with GRLSWIRL, a women-founded skate collective that promotes empowerment, community, and movement. This collaboration reinforced SunSip’s brand ethos of adventure, freedom, and fun. Together, they hosted group skates, community events, and giveaways, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and try something new—just like SunSip is doing in the soda category.
To generate early buzz, Health-Ade executed a high-impact influencer and media push. During launch week, 50 media members, celebrities, and influencers across Los Angeles received special SunSip deliveries in a branded Bronco, giving a fresh twist to the classic “pizza-and-movie night” experience. Each recipient received SunSip sodas alongside curated pizza pairings, reinforcing the idea that SunSip is the perfect swap for traditional soda. This activation not only created social media buzz but also positioned SunSip as a fun, everyday indulgence.
An important challenge was educating consumers on prebiotic soda—a relatively new category that requires bridging the gap between familiarity and functionality. Health-Ade leaned into storytelling through digital and social campaigns, ensuring consumers understood the difference between pre and pro biotics, and that SunSip is more than just a delicious soda—it’s a drink that makes them feel good. The messaging was crafted to be approachable and inviting, positioning SunSip as the perfect “healthy-ish” choice rather than an intimidating wellness product.
With an exclusive Whole Foods launch in February and a national retail expansion that rolled out in April 2024, Health-Ade’s strategy prioritized early demand generation through trial, word-of-mouth marketing, and strategic partnerships. By focusing on taste, branding, and function, SunSip differentiated itself in the crowded beverage space, proving that soda can be both delicious and beneficial—without compromise.
Exploding onto the better-for-you soda scene last year, SunSip is a leader in modern soda with secured shelf space at over 5,000 retailers nationwide, over 1.8 million cans sold, and the most trial among new prebiotic sodas (source: Numerator, among Prebiotic & Probiotic Sodas launched in 2024). SunSip solidified its position as a leader in the prebiotic soda space and delivere better-for-you soda that delivers both taste and function. Since its debut, SunSip has achieved the fastest rate-of-sale among new prebiotic soda brands (SPINS 7/14/24) and boasts the highest repeat rate of all prebiotic sodas at Whole Foods (Numerator Shopper Metrics, 13 weeks ending 8/28/24). These metrics demonstrate not only strong initial interest but also consumer loyalty—validating Health-Ade’s strategy of combining functionality with craveable flavors.
SunSip has generated over 1.7 billion media impressions since February 2024. With coverage from NBC, The Kitchn, Taste of Home, Food Dive, Good Day LA, The Skimm, and more, SunSip has successfully entered the cultural conversation around modern wellness and soda alternatives. The brand’s storytelling, experiential marketing, and community-driven approach resonated with both media and consumers, fueling organic buzz and awareness.
In response to growing demand, Health-Ade expanded the SunSip lineup beyond the initial four flavors, launching Lemon Lime, Peach, Dr. Bubbles and Cream Soda! These results underscore Health-Ade’s ability to redefine soda and dominate the prebiotic beverage market, successfully bridging the gap between gut health and mainstream appeal.
