We just got over the market-disrupting launch of In Tansan therapeutic appetite suppressant soda in Japan. And along comes Pop Jones ‘Prebiotic Craft Soda’, billed as a ‘functional beverage with cleaner ingredients’ and lower sugar…
This season may be remembered as the ‘the Fall of the rise of therapeutic sodas’… It’s off to a good start, anyway. And there may be more announcements still to come…
Fun and ‘functional’, too
It’s a new class of beverage that falls into the recreational category, and offers ‘functional’ advan-tages a well. But what does ‘functional’ mean?
It could mean any of a wide range of health-supporting ‘functions’, including appetite suppression and delivery of prebiotic ingredients for improved gut health. Both are good ideas. And somebody thought it would me easier to get folks to ‘do the right thing’ for their bodies by piggy-backing ‘functionality’ on fizz.
Pop Jones ‘popping’ prebiotics
Jones Soda has been around for some time already. In fact, the brand is considered a pioneer of the craft soda movement. Now, it’s getting in on the ground floor of the functional bev movement, with a line of prebiotic sodas based on healthy, natural ingredients.
The new line, dubbed Pop Jones, is débuting with 5 fruity flavours including: Cucumber Watermelon, Pineapple Ginger, Orange & Cream, Strawberry Passion fruit, and Mixed Berry & Kiwi.
“Functional beverages with cleaner ingredients and lower sugar content have created a new modern soda category that meets rising consumer demand for tastier and healthier food and beverage choices,” Jones CEO David Knight said in a statement. “With our nearly three decades of flavor inno-vation and broad brand recognition, Pop Jones is poised to become a major player in a space that is redefining soda.”
Emerging, proven market
Pop Jones is entering a market already established by brands such as Poppi and OliPop. They’re just 2 of the upstart labels that have recently sprung up in answer to consumer demand for ‘healthier’ sodas.
Poppi is also focusing on prebiotics, with a side interest in apple cider vinegar. “We’re bringing soda back. The twist? It’s better for you this time,’ their theme statement declares, “It’s time to love soda again.”
OliPop is also capitalizing on the prebiotic craze, but with an array of 18 soda flavours. And those include non-fruit faves such as Cola, Root Beer, Cream Soda and something called Ridge Rush – a lightly veiled clone of Mountain Dew.
Prickly ice point?
Poppi and OliPop both come in standards 12 oz. / 355 ml cans. And both sell online for around $30 for a 12 pack, plus shipping.
The Pop Jones web page doesn’t list prices – yet – but Jones Soda’s regular flavours sell for a princely $44 per 12 pack of 12 oz. bottles.
Nevertheless…
Prebiotic infused sodas appear to be here to stay, even at significantly higher prices than regular fizzy drinks.
And though they’re healthier in some ways, it’s important to note they’re sweetened with ‘pure cane sugar’. On the bright side, they’re relatively low in added sugar, ranging from 2.5 g to 5 g per 12 oz. serving. Compare with standard Coke, which contains 39 g of added sugars.
My take
There are other ways to get prebiotics and other beneficial ‘biologics’. Without added sugar. There are thousands of supplements on the market, and many natural-food sources, as well.
I’m inclined to explore the natural sources first…
~ Maggie J.