Cola Giants Turn to Gut Health in Latest Battle of the Fizz
The cola wars are entering a new phase – one where taste meets gut health.
PepsiCo has announced the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, marking what the company calls a major innovation in the category, as global demand for functional beverages continues to rise.
Pepsi’s New Formula
Unveiled more than 125 years after Pepsi-Cola first appeared in New Bern, North Carolina, the new prebiotic variant aims to deliver the same iconic cola flavour consumers know – with added benefits.
Each can contains 3 grams of prebiotic fibre, 5 grams of cane sugar, 30 calories, and no artificial sweeteners. Launching in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla, the product is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers without sacrificing taste.
From Autumn 2025, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola will be available in 12oz single cans for trial and 8-packs of 12oz cans online, with full retail distribution expected in early 2026. The move builds on PepsiCo’s strategy of diversifying its portfolio, which already includes Pepsi Zero Sugar and other consumer-preferred options.
PepsiCo Beverages U.S. CEO described the launch as the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality and functional ingredients in their cola experience – without sacrificing the iconic taste of Pepsi.
A Growing Global Trend
PepsiCo’s latest innovation comes as interest in gut health soars worldwide. According to Informa Market Insights, 23% of global consumers now seek prebiotics in functional food and beverages.
Over the past five years, the number of prebiotic drink launches has grown by 13%, underlining the category’s momentum.
Coca-Cola, too, has already made its move. Earlier this year, the company’s Simply brand – best known for its juices since launching in 2001 – entered the market with Simply Pop, a prebiotic soda line. The range boasts 6 grams of prebiotic fibre per serving, plus added vitamin C and zinc to support both gut and immune health.
Currently available in select regions and nationwide online through Amazon Fresh, Simply Pop is set to roll out to more U.S. retailers in 2025.
Competing for Wellness-Focused Consumers
The rise of prebiotic sodas reflects shifting consumer priorities, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial audiences who place wellness at the forefront of their food and drink choices.
The Coca-Cola Company’s Chief of Nutrition noted that research showed younger consumers were really interested in juice and prebiotic sodas. Importantly, many wanted to try the category but preferred to start with brands they already knew and trusted.
To bring new drinkers into the category, they had to strike that perfect balance of innovation and trust, the executive added.
This dual focus on credibility and experimentation explains why both cola giants are investing heavily in functional beverages – balancing health with flavour while leveraging brand legacy.
A New Era for Cola
The battle lines are clear: Pepsi’s Prebiotic Cola will offer a functional twist on its classic fizzy favourite, while Coca-Cola’s Simply Pop leans into fruit-forward health credentials. Both seek to draw in consumers intrigued by prebiotics but hesitant to stray from familiar names.
As the global appetite for gut-friendly drinks grows, the question is no longer whether consumers want prebiotics in their beverages – but which brand they’ll trust to deliver them.
News Credits: Pepsi introduces functional cola with prebiotics
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