Prebiotic soda is everywhere right now. From the Super Bowl vending machine controversy to dupes of popular brands popping up left and right, it seems like better-for-you-soda is dominating the drink industry. In response to the growing popularity of companies like Poppi and Olipop, Coca-Cola — known for deliciously sugar-packed Coke, Diet Coke, and Dr. Pepper — announced that they’re jumping in on the trend with the brand’s newest bev, Simply Pop.
What is Coke’s prebiotic soda?
If Simply sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Originally known for its selection of fresh fruit juices, it is aiming to expand its horizons under a brand name everyone knows and trusts. Coke’s prebiotic soda, Simply Pop, will be flavored with fruit juice and contain added vitamins, prebiotic fiber, and no added sugar.
According to the press release, Simply Pop will include both Vitamin C and Zinc, which are both known to support immune function, specifically in increasing white blood cell function and antibody production. Plus, the soda will also contain six grams of prebiotic fiber to support gut health. Since our body cannot fully digest prebiotic fiber, it passes through our digestive system and nourishes good bacteria that aid in digestion and immunity.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are ingredients found in certain high in fiber foods that can’t be fully digested. Prebiotics include carbohydrates like starches, oligosaccharides, inulin, and pectin can be found in everyday foods like asparagus, garlic, onions — and now soda. These prebiotics work together with probiotics (which are often found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, or Kombucha) to increase the growth and balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
What are the flavors of Coke’s prebiotic soda?
Whether or not you knew the brand was owned by Coca-Cola, you may recognize Simply from the brand’s line of fruit juices, mocktail mixes, and even canned cocktails. Now, Simply is expanding to include prebiotic soda, and the first launch of Simply Pop will include five flavors: lime, pineapple mango, fruit punch, citrus punch, and strawberry.
While Poppi and Olipop have similar fruity flavors like strawberry vanilla and fruit punch, the mainstay brands also offer “classic” soda flavors like cream soda, root beer, and cola, and even dupes for popular beverages like Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew. Although Simply Pop hasn’t announced any Coca-Cola copycats yet, given the brands history, a gut healthy Coke or Diet Coke could be imminent.Simply Pop’s preliminary flavors are all fruit-based
How do I buy Coke’s prebiotic soda?
Simply Pop at select Alberstons stores on February 24, and in select Publix beginning March 7, as well as nationwide via Amazon. The 12-ounce slim cans will sell for $2.49 a piece.