After decades of tweaking labels and sugar levels, Pepsi is finally making a bold leap—this time, into your microbiome.
Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is the brand’s biggest beverage shake-up in over 20 years, and it’s not just a limited edition gimmick. It’s a full-on category shift aimed squarely at the fast-growing market of “functional” sodas. These new drinks don’t just refresh—they promise to do something for your body, too.
Launching this fall, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola comes in two flavors: classic Original and Cherry Vanilla. Both pack 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 5 grams of cane sugar, and zero artificial sweeteners—all at just 30 calories per can. In other words, this is not another stealth diet soda—it’s a gut-friendly option that still tastes like cola.
That last part is key. Most functional sodas on shelves today—think Poppi, Olipop, or SunSip—play it safe with trendy flavors like ginger lime or strawberry vanilla. But Pepsi is going straight for the core: cola. That makes it the first mainstream soda company to attempt a prebiotic version of its flagship drink, with a formula designed not to taste like a compromise.
It’s a strategic move that’s been years in the making. Back in March, PepsiCo shelled out $1.95 billion to acquire Poppi, the dominant player in the prebiotic soda space. And if the nutrition label on Pepsi’s new drink looks familiar—same fiber, same sugar, same calorie count—it’s probably not a coincidence.
But unlike Poppi, which positions itself as a bubbly health tonic, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is aimed at cola fans who want to feel slightly better about their daily habit, without giving up the taste that keeps them loyal.
Initial sales will begin online this fall, with retail rollouts planned for early 2026. Cans will be sold individually or in 8-packs, making it easier for curious soda drinkers to give it a shot without committing to a case.
With Coca-Cola already dabbling in prebiotic sodas via its Simply Pop line, and Gen Z increasingly prioritizing gut health, the race is on. But Pepsi has made its opening move loud and clear: the cola wars just got a wellness upgrade.