Shoppers at Trader Joe's are buzzing with anticipation as the beloved grocery chain unveils its latest product, timed perfectly for the health-focused resolutions marking the start of 2026. The retailer has entered the booming prebiotic soda market, putting its own distinctive spin on the better-for-you fizzy drink craze.
A Fizzy, Fruity Addition to the Shelves
The new arrival was first spotted by an eagle-eyed customer in Massachusetts, USA, earlier this week. Bright pink and red cans were seen stocked on shelves, prompting an immediate online fanfare. The beverage comes in two flavours: Strawberry Vanilla and Cherry Cola, each priced at $1.99 per can.
Positioned as a healthier alternative, the Strawberry Vanilla variant contains just four grams of sugar and 30 calories. Its recipe includes strawberry purée, cane sugar, apple cider vinegar, and the natural sweetener stevia. Trader Joe's describes it as a "fun, fruity, and phenomenally fizzy drink that can be enjoyed in all kinds of contexts."
The Cherry Cola version is similarly formulated, with cherry juice replacing the strawberry purée. It contains five grams of sugar and 40 calories per serving.
Sweetener Success or Stevia Stumble?
Despite the intent to cater to wellness-minded consumers, one ingredient has proven divisive. The inclusion of stevia has sparked a notable backlash among some shoppers on platforms like Reddit.
"I was so upset when I saw stevia on the ingredients list. I can't wait until it's out of style," one disappointed fan wrote. Others echoed the sentiment, with comments such as "Stevia is absolutely disgusting!" and calls for an "anti-stevia petition." This controversy highlights the ongoing challenge for brands balancing health credentials with public taste preferences.
Joining a Crowded Gut-Health Market
Trader Joe's move is a direct response to a significant beverage trend. The concept of prebiotic, gut-friendly soda was pioneered by brands like Poppi, which first pitched the idea on the TV show Shark Tank in 2018. Poppi's founders secured a $400,000 investment, leading to a major rebrand and a surge in popularity for sparkling prebiotic drinks.
However, the sector is not without its issues. Poppi itself faces a class-action lawsuit alleging its gut health marketing is misleading, citing the small amount of prebiotic fibre in each can. The brand also encountered criticism for a costly influencer marketing campaign deemed wasteful by many.
Nevertheless, the market continues to expand, with Trader Joe's now aiming to capture a share. The retailer's foray is being closely compared by shoppers to established players like Poppi and OLIPOP, testing whether its cult-favourite status and competitive pricing can win over the health-conscious crowd, stevia sceptics notwithstanding.
