The rise of prebiotic sodas has taken the beverage industry by storm, and Coca-Cola is finally joining the movement. On Tuesday, the global beverage giant announced the launch of Simply Pop, its first-ever prebiotic soda under the Simply Beverages brand. The new drink promises “real fruit juice, no added sugar, and no compromises,” marking Coca-Cola’s bold entry into the growing functional beverage category.
What Is Simply Pop?
Simply Pop is formulated with six grams of prebiotic fiber per can, along with 20-30% real fruit juice, vitamin C, and zinc. According to Coca-Cola, the drink allows consumers to “treat themselves while treating themselves better.” Available in five fruity flavors—Strawberry, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, Lime, and Citrus Punch—the beverages will be sold in 12-ounce slim cans. Simply Pop is set to hit select retail stores and Amazon Fresh nationwide in late February, with a retail price of $2.49 per can.
What Are Prebiotics, and Why Do They Matter?
Before diving into the potential benefits of Coca-Cola’s latest creation, it’s essential to understand what prebiotics are. According to Harvard Health, prebiotics are certain types of fiber—like starches, oligosaccharides, inulin, and pectin—that our intestines cannot fully digest. These fibers serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, helping to support digestion and overall gut health. While often associated with probiotics (live bacteria found in foods like yogurt and kimchi), prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Some studies suggest that consuming prebiotic fiber can enhance the absorption of dietary calcium, support blood sugar regulation, boost immune function, and even reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, research is still evolving on the exact impact of prebiotics in functional beverages like Simply Pop.
Coca-Cola’s Strategic Move into Prebiotic Beverages
Becca Kerr, the CEO of nutrition at The Coca-Cola Company, stated that Simply Pop is a response to rising consumer demand for functional beverages. “We found that consumers, especially wellness-focused Gen Z-ers and Millennials, were interested in juice and prebiotic sodas,” Kerr said. “Since many brands in this category are new, they were looking to align with names they know and trust for both quality and taste.”
This move makes strategic sense. While traditional soda sales have been declining due to shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options, functional beverages—particularly prebiotic sodas—are experiencing rapid growth. Many health-conscious consumers are eager to try prebiotic sodas but prefer to buy from established brands they already trust. Coca-Cola aims to fill this gap by leveraging its strong market presence and the credibility of its Simply Beverages line.
The Rising Popularity of Prebiotic Sodas
Prebiotic sodas have quickly gained traction, with brands like Poppi and Olipop leading the charge. However, not all claims in this space have gone unchallenged. In 2024, Poppi faced a class action lawsuit alleging that its prebiotic sodas lacked meaningful gut health benefits. The lawsuit claimed that Poppi’s two grams of prebiotic fiber per can were insufficient to provide real health advantages, requiring consumers to drink multiple cans daily to see any potential effects—something that could be counterproductive due to the added sugar content.
Despite such controversies, the prebiotic soda industry continues to flourish. Olipop, another major player, has reached a staggering $1.85 billion valuation in 2025. According to Future Market Insights, the global prebiotic soda market was valued at $262.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to $545.5 million by 2034. With such strong market potential, it’s no surprise that Coca-Cola is making its move now.
Is Simply Pop the Future of Soda?
Coca-Cola’s entry into the prebiotic soda market could be a game-changer. However, it remains to be seen whether Simply Pop will genuinely deliver on its health claims or if it will face the same scrutiny as other brands in the category. Moreover, consumers don’t necessarily need to rely on sodas for their prebiotic intake—natural sources like garlic, asparagus, onions, and whole grains can provide sufficient prebiotic fiber in a regular diet.
Simply Pop is an intriguing option for those looking for a healthier soda alternative. Whether it will dominate the functional beverage market or become another passing trend depends on how well Coca-Cola executes its promise of delivering both taste and health benefits.
Would you try Simply Pop? Let us know your thoughts!
