Didn’t we learn from Poppi?
Pepsi making a prebiotic soda with 5g of added sugar per can, and only 3 g of fiber puts them in a similar position as Poppi, who just settled a class action lawsuit for $8.9 million.
The lawsuit alleged that the 2 g of probiotic fiber that were in Poppy did not have a meaningful health impact, especially given the amount of sugar that was added to the beverage. It also ledge that you would have to drink several cans a day to see any probiotic benefits, but at that many cans, the amount of sugar in the drink would offset the benefit.
So Pepsi’s new probiotic soda has the same amount of sugar and probiotic fiber that Poppi has.
Is this new probiotic soda actually healthy for you? I can tell you it’s not Gabbi approved, but of course, life is about balance and I never judge.
-Gabbi
LSN, CPT, BSc, Published Author
When evaluating beverages marketed as 'prebiotic' or 'probiotic,' it’s important to look beyond the buzzwords and carefully assess their nutritional makeup. A beverage like Pepsi's new prebiotic soda, containing 5 grams of added sugar and 3 grams of fiber per can, raises concerns similar to those around Poppi’s soda, which recently settled a $8.9 million class-action lawsuit related to its health claims. From my personal experience as someone mindful of nutritional choices, the promise of probiotic or prebiotic benefits often feels overshadowed by the sugar content. While these drinks add fiber intended to support gut health, the relatively small amount—3 grams per can in Pepsi's case—is hardly enough to provide significant benefits, especially when you factor in the 5 grams of added sugar. Consuming several cans daily to get meaningful probiotic effects could lead to an excessive sugar intake, ultimately negating potential health gains. The lawsuit against Poppi highlighted how marketing these products as 'healthy' without clear, proportional benefits can mislead consumers. It's a cautionary tale for anyone trusting labels without scrutinizing the ingredients and nutritional values. Personally, I’ve found that drinking water or unsweetened teas and incorporating fiber-rich whole foods allows me to support my gut health more effectively without the added sugars that come with these beverages. It's easy to understand the appeal of a flavorful soda that claims to provide gut support, but the reality is that not all prebiotic or probiotic sodas live up to their promises. When choosing such drinks, it’s smart to read the nutrition facts carefully. Look for higher fiber content with minimal added sugars and avoid relying on these sodas as your primary source of probiotics or fiber. Ultimately, balance is key. Enjoying these beverages occasionally might not hurt, but they should not replace a diet rich in natural sources of fiber and probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Awareness and informed choices let you enjoy the benefits without unintended downsides.
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