Coca-Cola enters the prebiotic soda market with Simply Pop, a new gut-health focused beverage aimed at health-conscious consumers.
Times are really changing…
At a Glance
- Coca-Cola launches Simply Pop, a prebiotic soda with 6 grams of fiber, zinc, and vitamin C
- Five flavors available: strawberry, pineapple mango, fruit punch, lime, and citrus punch
- Initial launch on West Coast, Southeast, and Amazon Fresh, with nationwide expansion by 2025
- Priced at $2.49 per 12-oz. can, targeting health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials
- Enters competitive market alongside brands like Olipop and Poppi
Coca-Cola Introduces Simply Pop to Growing Prebiotic Soda Market
Coca-Cola, the beverage giant known for its iconic soft drinks, is making a move into the health-focused beverage arena with the launch of Simply Pop.
Cola is finally healthy!
This new prebiotic soda aims to improve gut health and cater to the growing demand for natural digestive health solutions among younger consumers. Simply Pop contains six grams of prebiotic fiber, along with vitamin C and zinc to support immune function, all without added sugar.
The Simply Pop line will be available in five fruity flavors: strawberry, pineapple mango, fruit punch, lime, and citrus punch. These beverages will be sold in 12-oz., shelf-stable slim cans, containing 20-30% fruit juice from concentrate. Initially, Simply Pop will be available on the West Coast, in the Southeast, and online via Amazon Fresh, with plans to expand nationwide by 2025.
🥤 Coca-Cola is joining the prebiotic soda space with a new brand called Simply Pop. https://t.co/ixdAga0705
— Ad Age (@adage) February 18, 2025
Targeting Health-Conscious Consumers
Coca-Cola’s entry into the prebiotic soda market comes as health-conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are showing increased interest in gut-healthy beverages. The company is leveraging the familiarity of its Simply line of juices, which has grown from an orange juice brand in 2001 to over 20 varieties of beverages.
“We found that consumers, especially wellness-focused Gen Z-ers and Millennials, were really interested in juice and prebiotic sodas,” Becca Kerr, CEO of Nutrition at Coca-Cola, said.
“And 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 was particularly true for those curious about prebiotic sodas but who hadn’t yet taken the leap.”
The development process for Simply Pop included extensive taste tests and consumer feedback to refine the product. Coca-Cola plans to market the new beverage through out-of-home advertising, digital campaigns, influencer-driven social media, sampling, and experiential activations. The company will also collaborate with Dear Media for a podcast tour to promote the product.
Simply Pop enters a growing market for prebiotic sodas, which is projected to reach $27.4 billion by 2032. The new beverage will face competition from established brands such as Olipop and Poppi, which have already gained significant market presence and funding. Olipop recently announced a $1.85 billion valuation, highlighting the potential in this sector.
While the prebiotic soda trend is gaining momentum, there is, however, ongoing skepticism about the health claims of these beverages. A Cleveland Health clinic article noted, “It’s a ‘healthier alternative for people who are trying to kick the soda habit,’ but ‘overall, it’s better to get fiber from the food you eat’.” Additionally, Poppi has been involved in a lawsuit over the efficacy of its products, highlighting the need for careful marketing and substantiated health claims in this category.
Hey, it’s at least progress!
