Coca-Cola Enters the Prebiotic Soda Category With Simply Pop

Image Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Simply, a Coca-Cola Company brand, is juicing up the prebiotic soda category with a fruit-forward line of beverages made with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber to support gut health and Vitamin C and Zinc to support immune function.

Simply Pop includes no added sugar and 25-30% real fruit juice from concentrate (a first for the fast-growing segment). Five boldly delicious flavors familiar to Simply fans — Strawberry, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, Lime and Citrus Punch — will be offered exclusively in 12-oz., shelf-stable slim cans.

“We found that consumers, especially wellness-focused Gen Z-ers and Millennials, were really interested in juice and prebiotic sodas,” Coca-Cola Company CEO of Nutrition Becca Kerr said, in a recent press release. “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. We knew that in order to bring new drinkers into the category, we had to strike that perfect balance of innovation and trust.”

From ideation to launch, Kerr said the company took a disciplined, consumer-driven approach throughout the product’s journey.

With more than two decades of expertise and equity in juice, Simply’s credentials made it the ideal choice to lead the company’s entry into prebiotic sodas. Since launching as an orange juice brand in 2001, the Simply portfolio has expanded to more than 20 varieties of juices, smoothies, and more.

Terika Fasakin, North America Brand Senior Director, Simply and Kids, shares insight into the brand’s connection with its audience. “Gen Z grew up with this brand,” she said. “They don’t remember a world where Simply doesn’t exist, and it’s the juice they’ve seen in the fridge throughout their lives, so it has a particular tug on their heartstrings.”

The team spent over a year refining the Simply Pop taste profile, packaging, and playful visual identity through extensive taste tests and consumer feedback sessions. Notably, all five flavors are mainstays in the Simply lineup.

“This has truly been a labor of love for the team because we know Simply Pop is a great-tasting prebiotic soda consumers want,” Fasakin said. “We’ve pushed ourselves to move fast while staying strategic and focused. And, as we get feedback from consumers who taste Simply Pop and engage with the brand, we’ll continue to evolve.”

Simply Pop hits shelves later this month at retailers in select regions and online nationwide via Amazon Fresh. The brand will expand to additional markets nationwide throughout 2025.