PepsiCo is shaking up the soda aisle with a bold new release: Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a functional soft drink designed to support gut health without sacrificing the classic cola flavor. Set to debut in stores across the U.S. in early 2026, the new beverage marks the company’s first major innovation in the traditional cola category in over two decades.
The drink will be available in two flavors—Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla—and comes in 12-ounce single cans and 8-pack formats, positioned alongside the rest of the Pepsi portfolio in the carbonated soft drink aisle. Consumers eager to try it early will be able to purchase it online starting this fall.
What sets Pepsi Prebiotic Cola apart is its ingredient profile. Each can contains 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 5 grams of cane sugar, and 30 calories, with no artificial sweeteners5. According to PepsiCo, the drink delivers the same bold taste fans expect from Pepsi, but with added functional benefits. Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages U.S., called it “the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality, and functional ingredients in their cola experience”.
The launch follows PepsiCo’s $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi, a leading prebiotic soda brand, earlier this year. That move signaled the company’s intent to enter the fast-growing functional beverage space, which has seen a surge in popularity thanks to brands like Olipop and Bloom.
Pepsi’s new offering arrives at a time when traditional soda consumption is declining, especially among younger consumers. Health concerns, sugar content, and ingredient transparency have driven many to seek alternatives. By introducing a prebiotic cola sweetened with real cane sugar, PepsiCo is betting that consumers want more than just flavor—they want functionality and cleaner labels, too.
While dietitians caution that prebiotic sodas aren’t a cure-all for gut health, they generally agree that they’re a better-for-you option compared to conventional sodas. And with Pepsi’s massive distribution network and brand recognition, this could be the moment that functional sodas go fully mainstream.
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