How Pepsi Is Bringing Prebiotics to the Mainstream

That desire to expand the mainstream market for functional beverages also informs the brand and package design of the new product. This isn’t your faux-folksy, health food shop kombucha brand, it’s pure Pepsi through and through.

“We started with a clear intention: it had to feel unmistakably Pepsi,” explains Gustavo of the design process. “From there, we leaned into aspirational aesthetics that feel familiar to the brand while reflecting the fluidity of younger generations – blending our core colours, from the blue of Original Pepsi to the red of Cherry, with an ombre treatment, modern iconography, and an electric brightness that evokes the energy of today’s consumer. The result honours our legacy while signalling the magnitude of this innovation as the biggest evolution in cola in over two decades.”

There was, reveals Gustavo, a lot of dialogue around straddling the need to bring the product into the heart of the Pepsi cola world while also conveying the benefits and ubique attributes of the prebiotic drink.

“It’s always a balancing act!” laughs Gustavo. “At its core, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is distinctly Pepsi, and staying true to this was non-negotiable. We wanted the design to communicate the boldness of this innovation, while sitting comfortably next to our extended portfolio. It speaks to our challenger identity, while still inviting cola-lovers and cola-newcomers to experience the great taste of the product and its modern functionality. “

When it comes to the portfolio of Pepsi cola products, Gustavo hopes this new drink brings extra choice to the consumer. It’s also fascinating to explore where Pepsi Prebiotic Cola sits alongside the aforementioned poppi, which recently featured in a Super Bowl spot starring Charli xcx. With its acidic pastel colourways, bold, lowercase typography and ‘vibey’ marketing, poppi’s aimed at a slightly different audience and the two very much work together to serve Pepsi’s functional beverage strategy.

“poppi is a leading modern soda built from the ground up with better-for-you ingredients that resonate with flavour-seeking gen-z consumers, while Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is an evolution of our classic cola that tastes like only Pepsi can, now with the addition of functional ingredients and no artificial sweeteners,” says Gustavo. “Each brand plays a distinct role within our portfolio, serving different tastes, occasions, and consumer needs. Together, they complement one another, strengthening our line-up and expanding the category from two differentiated angles.”

Throughout the rest of 2026 and beyond, the Pepsi team has plenty planned for its new addition. “We’ve already seen incredible excitement from retailers and consumers and plan to keep that momentum high!” says Gustavo. “You’ll see us continue to bring Pepsi Prebiotic Cola and our ‘Unbelievably Pepsi’ platform to life in new ways throughout the year – from elevated food experiences to new partnerships and more. We’re just getting started, so stay tuned.”