The prebiotic soda bubble hasn’t popped.
What’s happening: Pepsi unveiled Prebiotic Cola, a version of its signature formula adding 3g of prebiotic fiber and swapping high-fructose corn syrup for cane sugar.
More the merrier. Fresh off buying prebiotic challenger poppi for $1.95B, PepsiCo is doubling down on better-for-you beverages. Responding to regulatory pressure, it’s also phasing out artificial dyes and sweeteners.
A hiccup, poppi—a product with similar fiber content—just paid $8.9M to settle a false advertising suit related to overstated health claims.
Pop culture. Despite questionable benefits, health-conscious consumers are trading sugary drinks for functional alternatives.
Eager to compete, Coca-Cola launched gut-friendly soda Simply Pop, and OLIPOP added funding. Meanwhile Bloom, Humm, and Health-Ade entered the category.
Punchline: Traditional sodas are an easy target for wellness upgrades. For Pepsi and Coke, fiber might be the next hero ingredient to keep customers—and regulators—happy.
