Study Reveals Prebiotic Sodas May Contain More Sugar and Less Fiber Than Advertised
A recent study presented at the NUTRITION 2026 conference in Washington, D.C., has raised concerns about the nutritional content of prebiotic sodas. The research, led by Carlos R. Soto Díaz, a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, found that these beverages might contain more sugar and fewer fibers than claimed by manufacturers. The study analyzed 108 prebiotic sodas launched in the U.S. between 2021 and 2025, revealing that the fiber content per can ranged from 2 to 9 grams. Despite being marketed as healthier alternatives to regular sodas, prebiotic sodas were found to have more calories and sugar than diet sodas and flavored sparkling waters. The findings suggest that consumers should scrutinize nutrition labels rather than rely on marketing claims. 
