The Coca-Cola Company is testing consumer appetite for prebiotic soft drinks in the US through a pilot launch of products under three of its major brands.
The move builds on last year’s launch of Simply Pop, the company’s first prebiotic soda line.
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The latest “test-and-learn” will feature Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite Zero Sugar and Fresca.
In a statement, the drinks giants said the zero sugar beverages will be formulated with 6g of prebiotic fibre.
The trial will begin later in October, across selected areas in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Notably, the launch of Simply Pop in the US under the existing Simply juice brand is aimed at taking on brands like Olipop and Poppi.
Bloomberg reported in 2024 that Coca-Cola was considering an acquisition of better-for-you soda brand Poppi. At the time, the company said it did not comment on “market rumours or speculation”.
Poppi was ultimately acquired by PepsiCo a year later in a $1.95bn deal.
Meanwhile, California-based Olipop raised $50m in a Series C round last year, valuing the business at $1.85bn. It also appointed former Coca-Cola executive Mel Landis as president.
In addition to its new prebiotic offering, Coca-Cola also outlined upcoming launches across its wider drinks portfolio.
This includes the introduction of Coca Cola Cherry Lime, Coca Cola Strawberry Float, and a limited-time Mr. Pibb Black-Current next year, marketed as “new takes on familiar favourites”.
Besides, Powerade will add Watermelon and Lemon Lime Zero Sugar flavours, while Bodyarmor Fit will enter the sparkling sports-hydration segment with a “zero sugar” format.
Topo Chico Colección, a “premium” carbonated filtered water, is scheduled for October, added the company.
Topo Chico Sabores Pineapple Coconut will follow in February, bringing “new tropical flavours to the brand’s fruit-forward sparkling water lineup”.
Core Power will launch Banana protein shakes in January in 26g and 42g protein versions. A Strawberry option will join the 26g range.
Shakir Moin, the president of marketing for North America at the Coca Cola Company, said: “For us, innovation starts with the consumer. It’s about understanding what people are looking for, where their interests are going and then using the strength of our brands to create something relevant and compelling.”
