Coca-Cola is stepping into the fast-growing prebiotic soda space with the launch of Simply Pop, a new beverage aimed at health-conscious consumers.
The move positions Coca-Cola alongside rising brands like Olipop and Poppi, which have gained popularity by offering sodas that claim to support gut health.
Over the past two decades, traditional soda consumption has declined in the US due to growing health concerns and the rise of alternative beverages like flavored water, cold brew coffee, and energy drinks. However, prebiotic sodas—formulated with ingredients believed to support digestive health—have experienced rapid growth. The category has expanded from a $197 million market in 2020 to an estimated $440 million in 2024, according to Euromonitor International.
Simply Pop will launch in late February, initially available on the West Coast and in the Southeast. It will be sold in 12-ounce cans for $2.49 at major grocery retailers and by the case on Amazon Fresh. The drink contains six grams of prebiotic fiber, 25% to 30% real fruit juice, and added vitamin C and zinc for immune support.
Simply Pop’s branding draws from Coca-Cola’s Simply juice line, a well-established name in the fruit beverage market. The new soda will debut with five fruit-based flavors: lime, pineapple mango, fruit punch, citrus punch, and strawberry.
“We went out and really listened to consumers,” said Becca Kerr, CEO of Coca-Cola’s North American nutrition unit. “They love this space, they’re really looking for stuff that tastes good, and that’s something we know how to deliver on at Simply and at Coke.”
By aligning Simply Pop with its juice-focused brand, Coca-Cola hopes to quickly gain credibility in the functional beverage category and appeal to younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who have shown strong interest in health-oriented drinks.
Coca-Cola’s entry into the prebiotic soda space follows years of industry observation. Reports indicate that PepsiCo is also preparing to launch its own prebiotic soda in 2025, signaling further competition in this growing segment.
Despite its size and distribution advantage, Coca-Cola faces challenges. The company has a history of experimenting with new drink categories, some of which have failed to gain traction. For example, Coca-Cola Spiced was discontinued in 2024 just months after its launch.
Meanwhile, Simply Pop’s main competitors have already established strong consumer bases. Olipop recently raised $50 million at a valuation of $1.85 billion, while Poppi has invested heavily in marketing, making its second Super Bowl appearance in 2024.
Both brands have leveraged social media and influencer marketing to build loyal followings, particularly among younger consumers. Poppi, however, is currently facing legal scrutiny over its health claims, highlighting the regulatory challenges that functional beverage brands may encounter.
While prebiotics are marketed for their potential gut health benefits, scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Some experts question whether prebiotic sodas contain enough fiber to deliver significant health advantages.
Still, the demand for functional beverages continues to grow. Coca-Cola sees Simply Pop as part of its broader strategy to expand beyond traditional sodas. Recent successes with Fairlife milk and BodyArmor sports drinks demonstrate the company’s ability to diversify its product portfolio.
