Just months after spending almost $2 billion to enter the gut-health soda category through its acquisition of poppi, PepsiCo is launching its own prebiotic carbonated soft drink with Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a new two-SKU line featuring three grams of prebiotic fiber per 12 ounce can that is set to launch on Black Friday in November.
Launching in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla flavors, Pepsi Prebiotic contains 5 grams of cane sugar, 30 calories and no artificial sweeteners. The product will debut online during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping holidays before kicking off a national retail launch in early 2026. It will be sold in 12 ounce cans in singles and 8-packs.
“From the iconic blue can, to the consumer-preferred Pepsi Zero Sugar, our portfolio has always adapted to the needs and flavor preferences of the consumer,” said Ram Krishnan, CEO, PepsiCo Beverages U.S. “Pepsi Prebiotic Cola represents the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality and functional ingredients in their cola experience, without sacrificing the iconic Pepsi taste we’re known for delivering. We can’t wait for the world to try the taste of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola for themselves!”
The announcement represents Pepsi’s latest attempt to modernize its flagship soda roster which, other than logo and design changes, has been relatively unchanged since the introduction of Pepsi Zero Sugar in 2007. In late 2024, the New York-based conglomerate teased the launch of a product called Soulboost Soda, featuring prebiotics from soluble corn fiber and sweetened with both juice and stevia. That innovation never reached the market, though.
With poppi, Pepsi acquired a mature category-leading brand (alongside Olipop) with strong awareness, distribution and momentum. Launching its own prebiotic soda may allow for greater pricing flexibility and marketing strategies, and capitalize on the strong performance of trademark Pepsi cola, as highlighted in the company’s most recent earnings report.
Pepsi’s chief rival Coca-Cola launched its own prebiotic soda under the Simply banner earlier this year.
This is a developing story.