Latest news with #soda
CBS News
an hour ago
- Business
- CBS News
Pepsi to introduce prebiotic cola this fall after buying Poppi
PepsiCo is introducing a new prebiotic soda this fall geared toward health-conscious customers. The food and beverage company said Monday that the new product is designed to meet changing consumer needs and offer "more functional ingredients." The new drink, which will come in cola and cherry vanilla flavors, will contain five grams of cane sugar, three grams of prebiotic fiber and no artificial sweeteners, while a single serving will have 30 calories, according to Pepsi. "Pepsi Prebiotic Cola represents the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality and functional ingredients in their cola experience, without sacrificing the iconic Pepsi taste we're known for delivering," Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages U.S., said in a statement. The new cola will be available for purchase online this fall and in stores next year, Pepsi said. The product announcement comes only months after Pepsi acquired Poppi, which is marketed as a healthier alternative for soda lovers, for nearly $2 billion. The low-calorie soda contains a mix of prebiotics, fruit juice and apple cider. The prebiotic and probiotic food and drink sector has grown quickly in recent years as consumers increasingly seek out gut-healthy, flavorful alternatives to soda. According to consulting firm Future Market Insights, the prebiotic soda market was valued at $262 million in 2024. Global sales are expected to grow 7.6% over the next 10 years. Pepsi is moving to introduce healthier offerings to boost lagging soda sales. On an earnings call last week, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will introduce protein-enhanced versions of its snacks and new protein beverages this year. He also said Pepsi will relaunch Lay's potato chips and Tostitos tortilla chips without artificial colors or ingredients. "I think protein is clearly a subsegment in our food and beverages categories that is growing fast," Laguarta said in the July 17 call. "Consumers are adopting protein solutions in the diet at a pace that was not the case in a few months back, a few years back."The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pepsi's 2 New Sodas Mark the Brand's Biggest Innovation in 20 Years
It's a new cola era for PepsiCo. 2025 is brought to you by the letter "P." Protein is one of the biggest trends of the year, and shows no signs of slowing down. Then, there is, of course, pickles, the other food trend we can't seem to get enough of. And now, prebiotics, probiotics, and even postbiotics are the "P" words on everyone's lips. The Great Soda Renaissance of the 2020s has led to a boom of better-for-you sodas touting benefits such as more fiber, less sugar, and gut-friendly pre- and probiotics. Brands such as Olipop, Poppi, and SunSip have taken over shelves, and even the biggest names in soda are taking notice. In February, Coca-Cola launched Simply Pop, a new line of prebiotic sodas. A month later, PepsiCo upped the ante when it announced it was acquiring leading prebiotic soda brand, Poppi, in a whopping $1.65 billion deal. Now, Pepsi is raising the stakes in the cola wars once again with two brand-new sodas. Pepsi Is Launching New Prebiotic Cola Pepsi is ushering in a new era for PepsiCo—and for all mainstream soda brands—with the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola. The soda is the first prebiotic cola in the "traditional cola category," according to a press release. It also marks the biggest innovation for the company in more than 20 years. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is launching in two flavors, Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla, both of which are designed to deliver the same Pepsi taste you know and love. Both flavors of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola boast 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 5 grams of cane sugar, 30 calories, and no artificial sweeteners. Curiously, a can of Poppi contains the same number of calories and grams of fiber and sugar. Perhaps PepsiCo was taking notes before it even purchased Poppi. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola will be available online first this fall before coming to grocery stores and retailers in early 2026. It will be available in 12-ounce single cans as well as in 8-packs. Now that the preeminent soda brands are getting in on the action, it's official: Better-for-you sodas are here to stay—and we're not mad about it. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
3 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Pepsi is betting a popular health trend can get more people to drink its soda
As younger drinkers shun traditional soda brands for gut-friendly alternatives, PepsiCo is hoping to lure them back with its iconic cola flavour. On Monday, the company is unveiling a healthier version of its flagship flavour called 'Pepsi Prebiotic Cola.' The permanent addition to its lineup builds off its acquisition of prebiotic soda brand Poppi, further entrenching itself in the fast-growing 'better-for-you' trend that's been a hit with Gen Z. The new soda is a 'reimagining what a traditional cola is for the changing consumer needs,' Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo's US beverage portfolio, told CNN. 'This is the natural evolution of what's next.' Pepsi hopes the new version reignites interest with the roughly 120-year-old cola flavour, which Krishnan said has fallen out of favor as consumers are increasingly buying sparkling waters and hydration drinks. A can of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola shares similar traits to Poppi, including having no artificial sweeteners, the same amount of sugar (5 grams of cane sugar), and roughly the same number of calories (30) and 3 grams of prebiotic fibers — an enhancement that has propelled the modern soda category to US$1.8 billion, according to research firm Circana. The new soda, which comes in original and cherry vanilla flavours, will first be sold online starting on Black Friday in November before rolling out to major retailers in February 2026. Prices for a 12-ounce can and an 8-pack of 12-ounce cans will be slightly higher than a traditional Pepsi and more aligned with Poppi's premium positioning. Cola crisis Consumers are drinking the traditional cola flavour less often, which poses a problem for a company that's built itself around just that. Over the past two years, the average number of times a consumer drinks the traditional cola flavour has dropped from 9.4 times each month to 7.7, Krishnan said, citing research from consumer insight firm Kantar. Diet colas are falling out of favour even faster — showing a 27% decrease in consumption over the past three years — with Gen Z drinkers consuming the flavour substantially less than their older counterparts, he said. Although Poppi has a cola flavour, Krishnan revealed the brand is having more success with its fruity flavours, leaving the door open for Pepsi. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola Pepsi is rolling out a prebiotic version of its signature flavour in November. Pepsi via CNN Newsource 'That's the problem to solve for us: No one's doing much to retain a lot of these consumer cohorts who are leaving for other options,' he told CNN. Another demographic PepsiCo hopes to attract is Gen Z drinkers who buy 'better-for-you' beverage brands such as Olipop and Poppi but haven't tried Pepsi. Krishnan hopes they can be enticed with this new version that has the distinct Pepsi flavour. 'We think both of these complement each other because it addresses both ends of the spectrum,' he said. 'Poppi is the original modern soda category leader and then Pepsi is one of the founding fathers of cola.' As for Poppi, Krishnan said the company is still operating separately. But Poppi's availability will be supercharged in September when it's integrated with PepsiCo's distribution system, giving the brand access to thousands of more locations, including restaurants, travel outlets and colleges, he revealed. Risky release? Launching a permanent flavour without trialing it has its risks. Coca-Cola learned that the hard way last year after its much-hyped Spiced flavour failed to resonate with consumers and was discontinued just six months after its splashy debut. However, adding another healthier-aimed soda to Pepsi's beverage portfolio could spur sales. In its second quarter earnings report last week, PepsiCo (PEP) reported that North American volumes dipped 2% across its beverage unit. Its low-calorie sodas like Zero Sugar and Wild Cherry Zero were among the bright spots for the company. Nate Rosen, editor-in-chief of consumer brands-focused newsletter Express Checkout, questions why PepsiCo is launching the new Pepsi when it owns Poppi, which has a young following and helped establish the modern soda category. However, he thinks the two brands can coexist. 'This prebiotic version is banking heavily on the Pepsi brand recognition, but it feels more like a defensive 'me-too'-type product,' Rosen told CNN. 'Poppi remains the clear winner in the 'better-for-you' soda category. It has the credibility and positioning that a 'healthified' Pepsi will struggle to match.'
CNN
5 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Pepsi is making a bold bet that prebiotic sodas are here to stay
As younger drinkers shun traditional soda brands for gut-friendly alternatives, PepsiCo is hoping to lure them back with its iconic cola flavor. On Monday, the company is unveiling a healthier version of its flagship flavor called 'Pepsi Prebiotic Cola.' The permanent addition to its lineup builds off its acquisition of prebiotic soda brand Poppi, further entrenching itself in the fast-growing 'better-for-you' trend that's been a hit with Gen Z. The new soda is a 'reimagining what a traditional cola is for the changing consumer needs,' Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo's US beverage portfolio, told CNN. 'This is the natural evolution of what's next.' Pepsi hopes the new version reignites interest with the roughly 120-year-old cola flavor, which Krishnan said has fallen out of favor as consumers are increasingly buying sparkling waters and hydration drinks. A can of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola shares similar traits to Poppi, including having no artificial sweeteners, the same amount of sugar (5 grams of cane sugar), and roughly the same number of calories (30) and 3 grams of prebiotic fibers — an enhancement that has propelled the modern soda category to $1.8 billion, according to research firm Circana. The new soda, which comes in original and cherry vanilla flavors, will first be sold online starting on Black Friday in November before rolling out to major retailers in February 2026. Prices for a 12-ounce can and an 8-pack of 12-ounce cans will be slightly higher than a traditional Pepsi and more aligned with Poppi's premium positioning. Consumers are drinking the traditional cola flavor less often, which poses a problem for a company that's built itself around just that. Over the past two years, the average number of times a consumer drinks the traditional cola flavor has dropped from 9.4 times each month to 7.7, Krishnan said, citing research from consumer insight firm Kantar. Diet colas are falling out of favor even faster — showing a 27% decrease in consumption over the past three years — with Gen Z drinkers consuming the flavor substantially less than their older counterparts, he said. Although Poppi has a cola flavor, Krishnan revealed the brand is having more success with its fruity flavors, leaving the door open for Pepsi. 'That's the problem to solve for us: No one's doing much to retain a lot of these consumer cohorts who are leaving for other options,' he told CNN. Another demographic PepsiCo hopes to attract is Gen Z drinkers who buy 'better-for-you' beverage brands such as Olipop and Poppi but haven't tried Pepsi. Krishnan hopes they can be enticed with this new version that has the distinct Pepsi flavor. 'We think both of these complement each other because it addresses both ends of the spectrum,' he said. 'Poppi is the original modern soda category leader and then Pepsi is one of the founding fathers of cola.' As for Poppi, Krishnan said the company is still operating separately. But Poppi's availability will be supercharged in September when it's integrated with PepsiCo's distribution system, giving the brand access to thousands of more locations, including restaurants, travel outlets and colleges, he revealed. Launching a permanent flavor without trialing it has its risks. Coca-Cola learned that the hard way last year after its much-hyped Spiced flavor failed to resonate with consumers and was discontinued just six months after its splashy debut. However, adding another healthier-aimed soda to Pepsi's beverage portfolio could spur sales. In its second quarter earnings report last week, PepsiCo (PEP) reported that North American volumes dipped 2% across its beverage unit. Its low-calorie sodas like Zero Sugar and Wild Cherry Zero were among the bright spots for the company. Nate Rosen, editor-in-chief of consumer brands-focused newsletter Express Checkout, questions why PepsiCo is launching the new Pepsi when it owns Poppi, which has a young following and helped establish the modern soda category. However, he thinks the two brands can coexist. 'This prebiotic version is banking heavily on the Pepsi brand recognition, but it feels more like a defensive 'me-too'-type product,' Rosen told CNN. 'Poppi remains the clear winner in the 'better-for-you' soda category. It has the credibility and positioning that a 'healthified' Pepsi will struggle to match.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Make Coca-Cola Great Again
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Donald Trump is enamored with Coca-Cola. In January, he smiled from ear to ear in a photo with the company's CEO, who gifted him a special Coke bottle commemorating his inauguration. When Trump officially returned to the Oval Office as president a few days later, his desk was already set up as it had been in his first term: with a button to summon a bottle of Diet Coke. Between sips of the fizzy drink (at one point, he reportedly drank up to 12 cans a day), the president has apparently been working the company behind the scenes. Yesterday, he announced on Truth Social that Coke has agreed to start making its signature soda with 'REAL Cane Sugar' rather than high-fructose corn syrup. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola,' he wrote. So far, little else is known about the supposed deal. I asked Coke for more information but did not hear back. The company has yet to even confirm that it has agreed to anything at all. ('More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon,' a company spokesman told The New York Times earlier today.) Although the move may seem random, it follows a pattern of Trump trying to score easy political points—especially during a moment when his base is at war with itself over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The clearest argument for cane sugar over corn syrup is taste. 'You'll see. It's just better!' Trump said on Truth Social. Coke is made with cane sugar in Mexico and many other countries, and 'Mexican Coke' has long had a cult following in the United States. Trump may also be doing the 'Make America healthy again' movement a solid. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has focused on high-fructose corn syrup as a major contributor to diabetes and obesity. 'Thank you, @POTUS!,' Kennedy wrote on X following the announcement. The taste argument is fair enough. But if Trump does think Americans' health is at stake in a switch from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar, he's relying on some very confused reasoning. Like many MAHA priorities, the change is better on paper than in practice. Kennedy may oppose high-fructose corn syrup, but he has also called sugar 'poison.' He's right to be wary of both, because sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are, by and large, the same thing. Multiple independent meta-analyses have found that there is little difference between the two when it comes to health metrics such as weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The two products 'have nearly identical metabolic effects,' Dariush Mozaffarian, the director of Tuft University's Food Is Medicine Institute, told me. Trump is essentially claiming that he got Coke to agree to switch its sugar … for sugar. If Trump wanted to use Coke as a lever to improve Americans' health, he would need to focus on making sure as few people drink the stuff as possible. In the world of public health, soda is a scourge. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been tied to increased body weight, diabetes, and heart disease. These drinks are the largest source of added sugar in the American diet. The Trump administration, to its credit, has spent the past several months trying to temper the United States' insatiable soda habit. At the urging of RFK Jr. and other top officials, six states—Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah—have experimented with bans on the purchase of soda using SNAP benefits. But at times, RFK Jr. has seemed to lose the plot on sugar. It's among the biggest problems with the American diet, but it hasn't been Kennedy's primary focus as health secretary. He has spent more time and effort attempting to crack down on synthetic food dyes. For the past several months, Kennedy has been pressuring food companies to voluntarily remove such dyes from their products—a move that, like Trump's purported deal with Coke, makes for grabby headlines. Food giants such as Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Nestlé have all agreed to phase out artificial dyes from their products. But Lucky Charms made with natural food dyes and still loaded with sugar is hardly a win for American health. It's a tumultuous time to be a food company; the MAHA army might suddenly come after an ingredient in your product that people previously agreed was safe. (Yesterday, after Trump's announcement, Coke defended on X the safety of high-fructose corn syrup.) Agreeing to remove a controversial ingredient is a way to get in the administration's good graces and can be a good business move—even if your foods are largely still unhealthy. In fact, food companies have started to find that they don't actually need to sell healthy food in order to be MAHA approved; they just need to remove the few ingredients Kennedy objects to. No company quite embodies this strategy like Steak 'n Shake. The burger chain has become a MAHA darling: Steak 'n Shake announced earlier this year that it would begin frying french fries in beef tallow instead of seed oils. To celebrate the change, Kennedy had a meal at a Steak 'n Shake for a photo opp with Sean Hannity that was broadcast on Fox News. (He thanked the restaurant for 'RFK-ing the french fries.') What this moment didn't capture was that, at Steak 'n Shake, you can still order a double cheeseburger with 1,120 milligrams of sodium—half the recommended daily amount for adults. Wash it down with a vanilla milkshake, and you'll have just consumed 92 grams of sugar, equivalent to gorging on three Snickers bars. Or how about a Coke with your beef-tallow fries? Today, Steak 'n Shake announced the next step in its 'MAHA journey': In a few weeks, it will begin selling 'Coca-Cola with real cane sugar in glass bottles.' Article originally published at The Atlantic Solve the daily Crossword
