PepsiCo launches “functional” cola variant

PepsiCo claims to have made the first major innovation in the traditional cola category in the last twenty years: a version with three grams of prebiotic fibre, supposedly for healthy intestinal flora.

Healthier products

PepsiCo is introducing Pepsi Prebiotic Cola in the United States: a cola that tastes like regular Pepsi, but with only five grams of sugar, thirty calories, no artificial sweeteners and three grams of prebiotic fibre. This is a type of dietary fibre that cannot be digested by the human body, but serves as nutrition for the good bacteria in our intestines.

With the launch, PepsiCo aims to respond to increasing consumer demand for ‘functional’ ingredients. The know-how comes from a company it acquired last spring: Poppi, a brand that combines prebiotics, fruit juice and apple cider in a low-calorie soft drink. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola will be launched in two flavours: Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla. The product will be available online this autumn and in shops from early 2026.

Consultancy firm Future Market Insights estimates the market for prebiotic soft drinks was worth 262 million dollars (224 million euros) last years, with global sales expected to grow by 7.6 % over the next ten years, CBS reports. PepsiCo wants to boost its sales with the development of healthier products, such as protein-rich versions of its snacks and new high-protein drinks. The company also wants to ban artificial colourings or ingredients from its well-known snacks.