Prebiotic sodas have become one of the fastest-growing drink trends in recent years. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill analysed 108 prebiotic sodas introduced in the United States between 2021 and 2025. Compared with regular soft drinks and fruit drinks, prebiotic sodas generally contained less sugar and fewer calories. The researchers also found that nearly two-thirds of prebiotic sodas contained non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia. The researchers emphasised that prebiotic sodas should not replace naturally fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.