Pepsi launches prebiotic cola to meet modern gut-health demand

PepsiCo has launched Pepsi Prebiotic Cola in the US, offering a functional twist on its classic soda as demand for gut-friendly beverages continues to rise.

Available online this autumn and in retail stores from early 2026, the new drink contains 3 grams of prebiotic fibre, 5 grams of cane sugar and just 30 calories per can, positioning it as a healthier alternative to traditional soft drinks. By comparison, Poppi’s drinks contain 2 grams of prebiotic fibre per can, while Olipop, another category competitor, delivers 9 grams.

PepsiCo acquired Poppi just four months ago in a $1.95 billion deal, underlining its commitment to the fast-growing functional soda sector.

Free from artificial sweeteners, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola will be available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla flavours. The new product will come in 12 oz. single cans and 8-packs, stocked alongside the company’s classic soft drink range.

Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages US, said:

From the iconic blue can, to the consumer-preferred Pepsi Zero Sugar, our portfolio has always adapted to the needs and flavour preferences of the consumer. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola represents the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality and functional ingredients in their cola experience, without sacrificing the iconic Pepsi taste we’re known for delivering. We can’t wait for the world to try the taste of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola for themselves!”

Shift in consumer and market demand

The launch comes amid shifting consumer attitudes towards artificial ingredients including dyes, sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup. These have faced mounting scrutiny, particularly from US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump recently claimed Coca-Cola would return to “REAL Cane Sugar” in its flagship soda, though the company has not confirmed any such reformulation.

The market for gut-health beverages is expanding rapidly. Future Market Insights valued the global prebiotic soda sector at $262 million in 2024 and projects it will grow by 7.6 percent annually over the next decade.

With Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, PepsiCo aims to capture this growing demand for functional drinks without compromising the flavour profile that has defined the iconic brand for more than 120 years.