Let’s face it—our love affair with sugary sodas is fizzling out. People are waking up and rethinking that sugar-loaded can of soda they’ve been sipping on for years. But the craving for that fizzy ‘ahh’ moment is still alive and kicking! Enter the functional beverage revolution, with prebiotic and probiotic sodas bubbling up as the new cool kids on the block.

Why the switch from traditional to functional soda? It turns out that packing nearly ten teaspoons of sugar into a single can isn’t exactly a health hack. The kinds of sugars in different soda formulas can sneak up on you if you're not careful, and before you know it, they might add up to too much sugar in your diet! So, it’s no wonder folks are flocking to find a healthier, gut-happy alternative. But prebiotic and probiotic sodas aren’t the same—what makes them different, and what should you keep in mind when choosing your new favorite fizzy drink? 

That’s what we’re here to cover:

What Is Prebiotic Soda?

Prebiotic sodas are carbonated soft drinks featuring (you guessed it) prebiotics, a type of fiber that can help support gut health. Prebiotic sodas aren’t just a bubbly treat—they’re like a snack for the good guys in your gut! That’s because prebiotics are the tasty fuel for your beneficial gut bacteria. Think of prebiotic sodas as a happy hour for your microbiome, giving it the nutrients it needs to stay balanced and thriving.

While not all prebiotic sodas are created equal, most typically contain carbonated water, natural fruit juices, natural flavorings, and prebiotic fibers. In OLIPOP, you’ll find botanicals like nopal cactus and kudzu root and fibrous ingredients like acacia, guar, cassava root, and chicory root. 

What Is Probiotic Soda?

Remember those beneficial gut bacteria we were talking about? Well, instead of fiber, probiotic soda is a fermented soft drink that contains live beneficial bacteria that can help support your microbiome’s population. These are similar to the probiotics in your yogurt, only these are delivered through a refreshing, fizzy drink instead. The idea is to introduce new beneficial bacteria directly into your digestive system to aid in various bodily functions.

Prebiotics vs Probiotics

While both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for gut health, they serve different functions:

• Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics. Without prebiotics, probiotics wouldn't thrive.
• Probiotics are live bacteria that add to the existing beneficial bacteria in your gut. They also help support gut health. 

Think of prebiotics as the "fertilizer" for the "garden" of probiotics in your gut. You need both for a healthy and happy microbiome! 

Prebiotic & Probiotic Sodas: Are They Good for You?

Prebiotic and probiotic sodas are like the dynamic duo of the gut health world—they can help keep things moving, keep you feeling good, and may even put a little pep in your step when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. But keep in mind they’re not one-size-fits-all; probiotics and prebiotics don’t suit everyone the same way. It’s essential to listen to your body and chat with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet. Especially if your current diet is low in fiber or probiotics, you’ll want to take it slow so your gut can acclimate to the changes. 

What to Consider When Buying Prebiotic & Probiotic Soda

Before you go grabbing any old can off the shelf, remember: not all gut-friendly bubbles are created equal! Here are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for prebiotic and probiotic sodas:

• Ingredients: Look for simple ingredients that support gut health. Avoid sodas with artificial additives, preservatives, or colorings. 
• Sugar Content: Check how the soda is sweetened and how much added sugar it contains. While these sodas aim to be healthier, some might still have high sugar levels.
• Fiber source: OLIPOP has several sources of prebiotic fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to support gut health. Other functional sodas often have just one single prebiotic or probiotic source.
• Research: Evaluate how much research there is on the ingredients and whether the company can support its claims. For instance, OLIPOP’s functional formula results from deep dives into novel prebiotic fiber, microbiome, and digestive health science, rigorously reviewed and studied by leading prebiotic fiber and microbiome researchers.

Prebiotic vs Probiotic Soda: The Takeaway

Picking between prebiotic and probiotic sodas? It all boils down to what your gut is craving and what your health goals are. Both bring something special to the table and can level up your healthy lifestyle game. Just keep an eye on those labels—ingredients, sugar levels, fiber sources, and the science behind the bubbles matter!

Speaking of standout sips, OLIPOP shakes things up with its blend of functional ingredients to support your microbiome and digestive health, making it a no-brainer for anyone looking to up their gut game. So, are you ready to ditch the old sugary stuff and sip on something smarter? Check out OLIPOP and kick-start your gut health journey!

Meet our Expert This article is reviewed by Dr. Renee Korczak Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD. Renee is an advanced practice registered dietitian nutritionist with expertise in digestive health. Renee has her board specialty in sports dietetics and continues to be active in the digestive health and sports nutrition space. Outside of work, Renee enjoys time with her two children and husband. She enjoys world travel, cooking, and yoga.