When Olipop and Poppi first introduced their soft drinks, the key feature used to differentiate their offerings from others on the market was their inclusion of prebiotics in the formulation. According to some claims, prebiotics can aid digestive health, because they provide elements and ingredients that healthy bacteria need to proliferate in the gut. In turn, these start-up brands marketed their versions as healthy alternatives to traditional soda.

Their efforts were convincing enough that many consumers made the switch. Combined sales earned by both brands totaled more than $800 million last year. In that same year, notably, sales of traditional soda products showed a slight but still significant decline. Thus, it should come as no surprise that well-known, legacy beverage companies have responded competitively. Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. have announced that versions of their own gut-health drinks will be available soon.

Coca-Cola’s version is called Simply Pop, and it will be marketed as an extension of the conglomerate’s existing Simply Juice line. Notably, those juices also contain some prebiotic fiber, making the extension appear logical. Early release versions of the Simply Pop packaging reveal bright colors and playful graphics, in line with the feel-good vibe that the existing brands of prebiotic soda have adopted.  

In contrast, PepsiCo. is presenting its product innovation as an extension of its traditional soda. The first two flavors to be introduced will be Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla. Thus, they will mimic familiar flavors while still offering prebiotics, along with minimal sugar and no artificial sweeteners. This tactic appears designed to appeal to some skeptical consumers who have reported an aversion to the strong, polarizing flavor profiles of many prebiotic soda offerings, which often taste like apple cider vinegar or other fundamental ingredients needed to cultivate the gut flora.

Even as the range of offerings expands though, the actual benefits of prebiotic sodas remain a point of contention. Health experts seem divided: Skeptics point out that many foods already contain prebiotics naturally, so they are available from a regular diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and grains. Most consumers will receive appropriate amounts of prebiotics for their guts simply by eating a balanced diet. Yet proponents also note that, regardless of the actual need for prebiotics, the alternative drinks are relatively healthier than conventional sodas, insofar as they tend to feature less sugar. Furthermore, consuming more prebiotics than needed usually is no cause for concern.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you tried prebiotic soda? How did you find the taste? 
2. What are the relative benefits and drawbacks of the different product introduction strategies being adopted by Coca-Cola versus PepsiCo.?

Sources: Laura Cooper, “‘Gut Pop’ Is Injecting New Fizz Into the Beverage Aisle,” The Wall Street Journal, February 18, 2025; Joseph Lamour, “Pepsi Launches New Prebiotic Cola After Poppi Acquisition,” NBC Chicago, July 23, 2025; “PepsiCo Unveils Prebiotic Cola,” NACS Magazine, July 22, 2025.