Coke’s Bold New Move: A Prebiotic Soda That’s More Than Just Pop!

Coke Enters the Prebiotic Game with Simply Pop—A Soda That’s Actually Good for You?

Coca-Cola is shaking up the soda world once again—this time with a gut-friendly, fruit-forward twist. Introducing Simply Pop, a new line of prebiotic sodas that promise bold flavors without the guilt.

Unlike traditional sugary soft drinks, Simply Pop contains zero added sugar, packs 6 grams of prebiotic fiber for gut health, and is infused with Vitamin C and Zinc to support immunity. And the kicker? Each can is made with 25-30% real fruit juice from concentrate.

Available in five mouthwatering flavors—Strawberry, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, Lime, and Citrus Punch—Simply Pop delivers the fizz and flavor you love, without the sugar crash.

Rolling out in select regions and online via Amazon Fresh this month, Simply Pop is set to expand nationwide throughout 2025.

A Prebiotic Soda from Coke? Now that’s a Refreshingly Unexpected Twist!

‘Consumer-driven approach’

Coca-Cola Company’s CEO of Nutrition, Becca Kerr, emphasized that the development of Simply Pop was anything but random—it was a strategic, consumer-driven move.

“We took a disciplined approach, listening closely to what today’s consumers want,” Kerr explained.

And what did they find? Wellness-conscious Gen Z-ers and Millennials are craving juice-based and prebiotic sodas, but they also want a brand they can trust for quality and taste.

“With many players in this space being relatively new, consumers were looking for a familiar name that delivers on both,” Kerr added.

With Simply Pop, Coca-Cola aims to meet that demand—bringing bold flavors, gut-friendly benefits, and a trusted brand name to the booming prebiotic soda market.

This was especially true for those intrigued by prebiotic sodas but hesitant to take the plunge,” Kerr continued. “To bring new drinkers into the category, we knew we had to strike the perfect balance between innovation and trust—offering something exciting, yet familiar enough to win them over.

The global boom in digestive health beverages—including prebiotic sodas—is impossible to ignore, with the market projected to soar to $27.4 billion by 2032, according to Dataintelo.

Now, Coca-Cola is officially stepping into the ring, joining a category dominated by industry disruptors like Olipop and Poppi. But this move has been years in the making.

Olipop CEO and co-founder Ben Goodwin previously revealed to CNBC in 2023 that both Coke and PepsiCo had approached them for a potential acquisition, signaling just how seriously the giants were eyeing this space. And Coke’s biggest competitor isn’t far behind—Pepsi is reportedly preparing to launch its own prebiotic soda later this year.

With Simply Pop, Coca-Cola is Making it Clear: The Prebiotic Soda Game Isn’t Just for Startups Anymore.

What are prebiotic sodas?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, prebiotic sodas are more than just a fizzy refreshment—they’re fuel for your gut. These beverages contain dietary fibers known as prebiotics, which your body can’t digest but serve as a feast for the trillions of good bacteria in your microbiome.

Unlike probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria into your system through foods and supplements, prebiotics act as a power source, helping those good bacteria thrive and do their job more effectively. In other words, prebiotic sodas don’t just add to your gut health—they supercharge it.

Olipop, one of the industry’s leading prebiotic soda brands, echoes a similar sentiment. The company describes its prebiotic soda as a carbonated soft drink infused with prebiotic fiber, designed to support gut health while still delivering the delicious taste and bubbly experience soda lovers crave.

Unlike traditional sodas loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, Olipop positions itself as a “gut-friendly option” for soda drinkers, offering a refreshing alternative that satisfies cravings without compromising digestive wellness. With the rise of prebiotic beverages, brands like Olipop, Poppi, and now Coca-Cola’s Simply Pop are turning everyday soda drinking into a functional, health-boosting ritual.

Are prebiotic sodas healthy?

Registered dietitian Chris Mohr previously told USA TODAY that these new-wave sodas can be a great alternative for those craving a fizzy drink but looking for a healthier option.

“From a flavor standpoint, as someone who doesn’t drink sodas, I have to say they’re surprisingly comparable—and definitely a much better choice for your health,” Mohr explained. However, he also noted one key trade-off: “They’re also significantly more expensive.”

While prebiotic sodas offer functional benefits and cleaner ingredients, their premium price tag might be a hurdle for some consumers. Still, as demand for gut-friendly beverages continues to rise, many are willing to pay the price for a better-for-you soda experience.

While prebiotic sodas offer some gut health benefits, they aren’t miracle cures, says dietitian Chris Mohr. Unlike probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria, prebiotics simply feed existing gut microbes—but experts warn they may not have a major impact on gut health.

Dietitian Jessica Alfano adds that research on how much prebiotics and probiotics we actually need is still limited. So, while these sodas can be a better alternative to traditional soda, they shouldn’t be seen as a shortcut to a healthy gut—a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods remains the best approach.

Prebiotic Soda Brand Poppi Hit with Lawsuit – What You Need to Know!

Poppi Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over ‘Gut Health’ Claims – What Consumers Need to Know

Despite its massive popularity, prebiotic soda brand Poppi is now at the center of a class action lawsuit, with allegations that it misleads consumers about its gut health benefits.

San Francisco resident Kristin Cobbs, who filed the lawsuit in June 2024, claims she wouldn’t have purchased the drinks if she had known they contained only two grams of prebiotic fiber—far less than expected. The suit argues that Poppi fails to deliver on its “gut healthy” promise, citing insufficient levels of inulin, a plant-based fiber that supports digestion.

The lawsuit further accuses Poppi of false and misleading advertising, allegedly violating California consumer protection laws. Cobbs is suing on behalf of herself and others who feel deceived by Poppi’s marketing, seeking financial restitution and other monetary relief.

As prebiotic sodas continue to grow in popularity, this lawsuit raises an important question: Are these beverages truly gut-friendly, or just another marketing gimmick? Stay tuned as this legal battle unfolds.

About The Author