Apr 3, 2025 - News
Charlotte's prebiotic soda boom has risks
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Prebiotic soft drinks are popping off in Charlotte, but they're not "gut-friendly" for everyone.
Why it matters: Gut experts warn about the risks of consuming inulin, the fiber typically found in prebiotic sodas.
- It can cause bloating and be "incredibly difficult to tolerate," especially for those with conditions like IBS, says Tamara Duker Freuman, a dietitian and author.
- And consuming regular inulin "may increase risk of cancer, potentially by dampening anti-tumor immunity," according to Andrew Gewirtz — a biomedical science professor at Georgia State University who's conducted early animal studies and a case report about inulin.
By the numbers: In the Charlotte area, sales of the drinks topped more than $9.5 million last year — up from $207,456 four years ago — according to NielsenIQ data.
The bottom line: Aim for a diverse diet that includes naturally fibrous foods, but if you crave soda, don't go overboard with the prebiotic drinks.