Pepsi has officially launched Pepsi Prebiotic Cola in the United States, marking what it calls the next era of cola. The launch follows a sold-out Black Friday online debut last fall.
The move signals the company’s move into the fast-growing functional beverage category, where gut health and lower sugar content are driving consumer demand.
What is Pepsi Prebiotic Cola?
Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is a carbonated soft drink with 3 grams of prebiotic fiber per 12 ounce can. Contains:
– No artificial sweeteners
-Cane sugar and stevia extract for sweetness
The drink is available in two flavors:
Sold in 12 oz. cans and 8-packs at retailers nationwide and online.
Breakdown of ingredients:
-Pepsi Prebiotic Cola (original)
Soluble corn fiber (source of prebiotic fiber)
The key functional ingredient is soluble corn fiber, a type of prebiotic fiber that helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Competitive landscape
Pepsi’s launch comes amid growing competition in the functional soda segment. Rival Coca-Cola introduced the prebiotic soda last year under its Simply Pop line. Each fruit-flavored can contains six grams of prebiotic fiber.
Brands such as Olipop and Poppi have also helped drive growth in the category, appealing in particular to younger consumers looking for lower sugar beverage options.
What is prebiotic soda?
Prebiotic soda is a type of carbonated soft drink formulated with prebiotic fiber instead of – or in addition to – traditional sweeteners. Marketed as a gut-friendly alternative to conventional sodas, it combines low sugar with ingredients designed to support digestive health.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Unlike probiotics (which are live bacteria), prebiotics act as nutrition for the good microbes already living in the digestive system.
Common prebiotic ingredients used in soda include:
– Inulin (often obtained from chicory root)
-Jerusalem artichoke thread
This fiber passes through the upper digestive tract intact and is fermented in the large intestine, where it helps support a balanced gut microbiome.
Market growth
The rise of prebiotic sodas reflects broader consumer trends towards:
– Reduced sugar consumption
The category has taken hold in the United States and is expanding into international markets as consumers seek healthier soft drinks.