PepsiCo is ushering in what it calls “the next era of cola” by adding two flavors of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola nationwide: Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla. It announced the launch Tuesday.
Prebiotics “are parts of food the body doesn’t digest but that may be used by microorganisms,” according to the Mayo Clinic. They are mainly found in high fiber foods and might trigger the growth of “good” germs in the gut, the clinic explained.
While Pepsi noted that its move makes it “the first legacy cola to introduce prebiotic fiber” to its roster, these are far from the first prebiotic colas. In fact, PepsiCo purchased popular prebiotic soda brand Poppi just last year. It also previously released the Pepsi-branded prebiotics on Black Friday in a “sold out” early debut.
That transaction was finalized in May 2025, a month after The Wall Street Journal reported that the soda company was suffering from “years in decline,” and had slipped to No. 3 in the U.S. market share, behind Dr. Pepper. According to the WSJ, “some of the company’s other drinks, including Gatorade, had been steadily bleeding market share,” as well.
Audacy reported in September of last year that Poppi had been hit with a lawsuit that claimed the drinks had been “improperly marketed” as “prebiotic” sodas.
“Poppi claims to be a prebiotic soda due to its inclusion of agave inulin, a type of natural soluble fiber extracted from the agave plant that may function as a prebiotic,” said the complaint, which added that “less effective than other prebiotic fibers at promoting gut health and has been linked to adverse effects such as bloating, abdominal pain, and even liver damage.” A nearly $9 million settlement was reached as a result of the lawsuit.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “research has shown promise that probiotics [living organisms like bacteria and yeast believed to aid digestion] and prebiotics may be helpful.” However, it added that research has not proved that “probiotics and prebiotics improve health and are safe for everyone.”
Some experts, including Natalie Gavi, RD, a registered dietitian with the UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program cited by Audacy, have recommended prebiotic foods to help improve brain-gut interactions. Gavi said fresh asparagus, apples, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, oats, onions, garlic and leeks are good prebiotic sources.
Poppi’s current ingredient list for its “Original Cola” flavor includes agave inulin and cassava root fiber as potential prebiotic sources. Coca Cola also launched fruit-flavored prebiotic sodas under its Simply juice brand last February – these contain soluble corn fiber as a potential prebiotic source.
Pepsi’s prebiotic soda flavors each contain 3 grams of “prebiotic fiber” according to the company, in addition to 5 grams of sugar for a total of just 30 calories and the same 38 milligrams of caffeine found in a regular can of Pepsi. Soluble corn fiber is included in the ingredient list.
“Soluble fiber in corn breaks down and forms a gel in the intestines and can play a role in controlling cholesterol,” per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Both the original and cherry vanilla versions of Pepsi’s new prebiotic soda will deliver “the ‘Unbelievably Pepsi’ taste people love, now with functional ingredients that reflect today’s modern beverage preferences,” said the company. They will be sold in 12-ounce single cans and eight packs.
“Created for cola lovers and newcomers alike, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola brings a fresh take to the category – backed by decades of taste legacy,” Pepsi added.