As we settle into 2026 with our wellness goals, the healthy soda trend continues. Pepsi launched its prebiotic-packed soda in fall 2025, following its $1.95 billion acquisition of the prebiotic soda brand Poppi earlier in the year. With major players in the traditional soda industry embracing the healthy beverage movement, it’s clear this isn’t just a fleeting trend. Healthy sodas are here to stay.
But with all these beverages promising reduced sugar, low calories, prebiotics and other health benefits, an important question pops up: Do these sodas live up to their health claims? To find out, we asked experts.
What is prebiotic soda?
Prebiotic drinks are having a hot moment. Coming alongside fast-growing brands like Poppi and Olipop, Coca-Cola launched a new prebiotic soda called Simply Pop. With five flavors based on natural ingredients, it might look like a healthy alternative to soda like Coke or Pepsi.
Other brands have also rushed to enter this growing market. Those include:
Wildwonder
Culture Pop
Turveda
Mighty Pop
SunSip (from the kombucha brand Health-Ade).
David Clarke, a board-certified internist, gastroenterologist and president of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, explains,
Are ‘Healthy’ Sodas Actually Healthy? What Experts Say About This Wellness Trend
