Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a new version of its classic cola that includes prebiotic fiber to appeal to health-conscious consumers. The new cola contains 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 30 calories with no artificial sweeteners. It will be available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla flavours. [1] This launch signals PepsiCo’s advancement in beverage product development and health-conscious product development.
PepsiCo Launches Innovative Prebiotic Cola to Boost Health-Conscious Beverage Line
Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a new version of its classic cola that includes prebiotic fiber to appeal to health-conscious consumers. The new cola contains 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 30 calories with no artificial sweeteners. It will be available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla flavours. [1] This launch signals PepsiCo’s advancement in beverage product development and health-conscious product development.
How do carbonated beverages stand out from normal beverage?
- Carbonated beverages are special compared to normal (non-carbonated) beverages primarily for their fizz and physical sensation of the bubbles.
- The fizz affects not only the mouthfeel but also affects flavor, resulting in a refreshing and crisp quality of the beverage.
- Carbonation also may assist in the preservation of the beverage by preventing spoilage. Normal, non-carbonated beverages obtain none of the physical sensation or tartness of the carbon dioxide.
What is functional carbonated beverage?
- A carbonated beverage drink incorporates carbon dioxide gas (CO2) that has been dissolved under high pressure into a liquid to produce bubbles, give a fizzy, effervescent texture, and to create good mouthfeel.
- It also adds some acidity to balance sweetness and improve flavors in the drink.
- Incorporating functional beverage compounds like prebiotic, probiotic, plant extracts leads to the formulation of functional carbonated beverage [2]
Difference between carbonated beverage and functional carbonated beverage?
Aspects | Carbonated beverage | Functional Carbonated beverage |
Definition | A drink infused with carbon dioxide gas for fizz | A fizzy drink that provides additional health benefits |
Purpose | Taste, enjoyment | Health function (e.g Energy, gut health, hydration) |
Ingredients | Carbonated water, sugar, sweeteners, flavours and acids | Carbonated water, functional ingredients (Probiotics, prebiotics, plant extract, amino acids), sugar, sweeteners, flavours and acids |
Health impact | May contribute to weight gain and dental problems when consumed more | Offers health benefits such as improved digestion, energy boost, immune support, etc |
Consumer appeal | Refreshment and flavour | Wellness, balance between taste and heath |
What is prebiotic?
Prebiotics are specialized non digestible food components like fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beta glucans, fructo-oligosaccharides, which serve as food for beneficial microorganisms in the gut (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli).[3]
Health benefits of prebiotic
- Improved Digestive Health
- Strengthening immune system
- Protection against colorectal cancer
- Enhanced Mineral Absorption
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular benefits [4]
How does carbonated prebiotic beverage work?
- Carbonated prebiotic beverage functions by delivering non digestible food ingredients, mainly dietary fibers like Inulin and FOS to the colon to feed commensal bacteria.
- They are made with natural ingredients to appeal to health-conscious product development and consumers seeking refreshing yet functional options.
- They are formulated with low or no added sugar, natural sweeteners, also probiotics to provide synergistic effect.
- Depending on the formulation, they can fall into categories like energy drinks, protein enriched drinks, prebiotic/probiotic soda combining taste, wellness and convenience.
Commonly used Prebiotics – Food sources
The table below represents Prebiotic source and its benefits.
Prebiotic source | Benefits |
Chicory Root | High in inulin, improves digestion, regular bowel function |
Dandelion Greens | Contains Inulin, supports gut bacteria, antioxidant properties |
Jerusalem Artichoke | Rich in inulin promotes gut health and mineral absorption |
Onions | Contains Inulin and FOS, strengthens gut flora |
Leeks | Contains Inulin, promotes gut health ad fat metabolism |
Bananas | Contains Inulin and resistant starch, reduces bloating, supports gut health |
Aspargus | Rich source of inulin supports gut microbiota |
Prebiotic carbonated beverage in market
Fibres commonly used in beverage compounds product innovation include inulin, FOS, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), cassava root fiber, chicory root fiber and soluble corn fiber. Competing products in the market have utilized these ingredients to enhance gut health and fibre content. The table below represents the product and prebiotic source used.
Product | Prebiotic source |
Classic cola (Atmosphere studio) | FOS, Chicory root, inulin, Jerusalem Artichoke, Nopal cactus extract |
Prebiotic soda (Quency) | FOS |
Olipop Prebiotic soda | Cassava Root Fiber, Chicory Root Inulin, Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin, Nopal Cactus, Marshmallow Root, Calendula Flower, Kudzu Root |
Ingredient Research on PepsiCo prebiotic cola
PepsiCo has formulated its prebiotic soda using soluble corn fibre providing 3g of fibre per 355ml serving. The beverage also contains 5g of cane sugar for sweetness along with caramel color, phosphoric acid as acidity regulator, natural flavous and stevia as a non-calorie sweetener.
The product was initially launched in U.S adhering to FDA regulatory guidelines and is expected to expand globally in compliance with FSSAI and EU food regulatory guidelines pertaining to each country.
Market trends of prebiotic carbonated beverage
In the past, the market was not significant. The focus was on the concepts of functional fizz.
There has been a massive boom in last few years with experts pointing to raising consumer quest for wellbeing.
Indian probiotic and prebiotic soda market generated a revenue of USD 11.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 19.5 million by 2030. Therefore 9.2% growth is expected from 2025 to 2030. [4]
Conclusion
The development of a prebiotic carbonated beverage represents a step forward in combining functionality with refreshment. The success of such beverage depends on optimizing formulation stability, carbonation balance, sensory appeal while ensuring the viability of prebiotic ingredients.
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