PepsiCo is launching its new “Pepsi Prebiotic Cola” as it tries to lure younger drinkers back with its iconic cola flavor. The company hopes the permanent addition will reignite interest in traditional cola, which has fallen out of favor due to consumers increasingly buying sparkling waters and hydration drinks.
The new soda shares similarities with Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand acquired by PepsiCo. It has no artificial sweeteners, 5 grams of cane sugar, and roughly 30 calories, along with 3 grams of prebiotic fibers. The flavors will be available online starting Black Friday in November before rolling out to major retailers in February 2026.
The move comes as traditional cola consumption drops, with the average number of times a consumer drinks it decreasing from 9.4 times per month to 7.7 over the past two years. Gen Z drinkers consume traditional cola substantially less than their older counterparts.
PepsiCo aims to attract Gen Z consumers who buy “better-for-you” beverage brands like Olipop and Poppi but haven’t tried Pepsi. The company believes its new version will complement Poppi’s offerings, addressing both ends of the spectrum.
However, launching a permanent flavor without trialing it carries risks. A similar launch by Coca-Cola last year resulted in the discontinuation of its Spiced flavor just six months after its debut. Despite this risk, adding another healthier-aimed soda to Pepsi’s portfolio could spur sales.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/21/food/pepsi-prebiotic-soda-launch