Common Misconceptions About Prebiotics (and Prebiotic Soda)

Reading time: ~4 minutes

Prebiotic soda has become a buzzword in wellness circles, but with popularity comes confusion. People ask things like:

• What does prebiotic soda do?

• Is prebiotic soda good for you?

• Is prebiotic soda good or bad?

• Does prebiotic soda cause gas?

Let’s break down the most common misconceptions and explain what prebiotic soda actually does, how it works, and how it fits into a healthy lifestyle.

Prebiotic Soda Defined

Prebiotics are a type of soluble dietary fibre that your body does not digest. Instead, they travel through your digestive system and reach the large intestine, where your gut bacteria ferment them.

This process helps:

• Feed beneficial probiotics already in your gut

• Support a balanced gut microbiome

• Produce short-chain fatty acids linked to digestion and immune health

• Support nutrient absorption and metabolic processes

According to the Cleveland Clinic, prebiotics help beneficial bacteria grow and function more effectively, which is why they are increasingly included in functional foods and beverages.

Prebiotic soda combines this fibre with carbonation, offering a refreshing and accessible way to add prebiotics to your diet.

Misconception #1: “Prebiotic Soda Isn’t Useful”

Reality: Prebiotics play a meaningful role in gut health.

When probiotics are fed with prebiotic fibre, they ferment it and produce beneficial compounds that may support:

• Digestive health

• Immune function

• Blood sugar regulation

• Overall gut balance

So when people ask what does prebiotic soda do?, the answer is simple:

• It provides fermentable fibre

• It nourishes beneficial gut bacteria

• It supports the gut environment when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet

PubMed research confirms that prebiotics support microbial balance and SCFA production in the gut.

Misconception #2: “All Prebiotic Sodas Are the Same”

Reality: Fibre amount and formulation matter.

Not all prebiotic sodas deliver the same level of functional benefit. A recent People.com article highlighted a lawsuit involving a major competitor over claims of gut health benefits, noting that some products contain only 2 grams of prebiotic fibre per can, an amount that critics argue may be too low to meaningfully support gut health.

By comparison:

• Many prebiotic sodas on the market contain 2–3 grams of fibre

• Crazy D’s contains 8 grams of prebiotic fibre per serving

Why this matters:

• More fibre means more fuel for gut bacteria

• Higher fibre intake is more likely to produce beneficial fermentation effects

Misconception #3: “Prebiotic Soda Shouldn’t Cause Gas or Bloating”

Reality: Some gas is normal, especially at first.

When gut bacteria ferment prebiotic fibre, they produce gases and short-chain fatty acids. This fermentation process is part of the benefit but can also lead to temporary gas or bloating, especially for those new to fibre. (Prevention)

Helpful tips:

• Start with smaller amounts

• Drink prebiotic soda with meals

• Increase fibre intake gradually

• Stay hydrated

Misconception #4: “Prebiotic Soda Is Automatically Healthy”

Reality: Ingredients matter just as much as fibre content.

While prebiotic sodas typically contain less sugar than traditional sodas, many prebiotic sodas in the market still include:

• Added sweeteners

• Natural flavours

• Sugar alcohols such as erythritol

• Ingredients like apple cider vinegar

Some of these ingredients may irritate sensitive stomachs and can still contribute calories or digestive discomfort. (Prevention)

Key takeaway:

• Lower sugar does not automatically mean gentle or gut-friendly

• Reading the ingredient list is essential

Misconception #5: “Prebiotic Soda Replaces Whole Foods”

Reality: Prebiotic soda should complement, not replace, a fibre-rich diet.

Nutrition experts consistently recommend getting most fibre from whole foods such as:

• Garlic

• Onions

• Apples

• Asparagus

• Chicory root

• Bananas

• Whole grains and legumes

Prebiotic soda can help close the fibre gap, but it works best alongside:

• A varied plant-based diet

• Other fibre sources throughout the day

So, Is Prebiotic Soda Good or Bad?

The answer depends on the product and how you use it.

Prebiotic soda can be beneficial when:

• It contains meaningful amounts of fibre

• It avoids excessive sweeteners or irritants

• It is part of a balanced, fibre-forward diet

Things to keep in mind:

• Individual responses vary

• Some digestive adjustment is normal

• More fibre per serving can offer greater benefit

With 8 grams of prebiotic fibre per serving, Crazy D’s delivers more gut-feeding fibre than many competing prebiotic sodas, without relying on heavy sweeteners or sugar alcohols that may irritate sensitive stomachs.

Final Takeaway

Prebiotic soda is not a cure-all, but it is also not a gimmick. Prebiotic sodas can be a helpful, enjoyable part of a balanced lifestyle, especially for people who don’t get enough fibre from food alone. They nourish the good bacteria in your gut and typically have less sugar than traditional soda. But quality matters. Higher fibre content and cleaner ingredient lists make for a more meaningful beverage.

When crafted thoughtfully, prebiotic soda can be a refreshing way to support gut health. And that’s not crazy. It’s just Crazy D’s.