Coca-Cola's CEO hints at revamping soda portfolio by incorporating protein and fiber boosts, signaling a shift towards "more protein" in their drink offerings. Chairman James Quincey made this statement during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where he was speaking about the company's approach to its beverage portfolio.
Quincey mentioned that Coca-Cola views its drinks as a diverse range of products rather than relying on a single flagship item. The CEO cited Coke Zero and Diet Coke as examples of successful brands driven by consumer demand for low-calorie options. Additionally, Fairlife Core Power protein drink has seen significant growth due to the increasing popularity of high-protein beverages.
Quincey noted that consumers are increasingly focusing on refreshment and protein, with many people now seeking products with added fiber and protein to support their health goals. He hinted that fiber may become a key addition to Coca-Cola's product line in the near future, citing the company's successful offering of Diet Coke with fiber in Japan as an example.
However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of high-fiber or high-protein sodas. Dr. Michael Ednie, a registered dietitian and family medicine physician, warned that these products can be misleading, suggesting they are healthier alternatives to regular soda but often fail to meet established health criteria. He likened these drinks to "functional junk food," emphasizing the need for caution when consuming them.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was contacted for comment on this emerging trend in the beverage industry, but no official response has been received at the time of writing.
Quincey mentioned that Coca-Cola views its drinks as a diverse range of products rather than relying on a single flagship item. The CEO cited Coke Zero and Diet Coke as examples of successful brands driven by consumer demand for low-calorie options. Additionally, Fairlife Core Power protein drink has seen significant growth due to the increasing popularity of high-protein beverages.
Quincey noted that consumers are increasingly focusing on refreshment and protein, with many people now seeking products with added fiber and protein to support their health goals. He hinted that fiber may become a key addition to Coca-Cola's product line in the near future, citing the company's successful offering of Diet Coke with fiber in Japan as an example.
However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of high-fiber or high-protein sodas. Dr. Michael Ednie, a registered dietitian and family medicine physician, warned that these products can be misleading, suggesting they are healthier alternatives to regular soda but often fail to meet established health criteria. He likened these drinks to "functional junk food," emphasizing the need for caution when consuming them.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was contacted for comment on this emerging trend in the beverage industry, but no official response has been received at the time of writing.
I mean, think about it, we're living in a world where people are drinking soda as if their lives depend on it... but what's really going on? 
Is this a sign that we're all just searching for some kind of validation or comfort in our beverage choices? Like, we're not actually thirsty, we're just craving something to numb the emptiness inside. And now they're trying to tell us it's good for us because it has protein and fiber? 
It's like, yeah sure, until you start to wonder if the real problem isn't what's in the soda, but what's not...
. Don't get me wrong, if it tastes good and helps people achieve their health goals, that's awesome! But let's be real, I'm still gonna want that fizzy cola fix even if there's fiber and protein in it 
. Plus, have you seen the prices of those high-protein drinks lately? No thanks! I'll stick to making my own protein-rich drinks at home with a blender and some bananas 
. And hey, who needs all that extra sugar when you can just drink water or herbal tea instead? 
Like, if it's got more protein, doesn't that just mean more calories too? 
I'm not saying it can't work, but it seems kinda... sketchy? 
.
. But at the same time, I'm not sold on all this 'high-fiber' hype 
It's like they're saying "we get it, people want more than just sugar in their lives". And you know what? That's kinda the point! Our bodies are getting smarter, our goals are changing, and we need products that can keep up. 
. Dr. Ednie's right on the money when he calls these drinks "functional junk food". They can be useful in moderation, but let's not forget what we're actually drinking - sugar water! 
but for real tho, I'm low-key curious about this fiber thingy. I mean, I've been drinking Fairlife Core Power and it's actually pretty tasty 
. But Dr. Ednie is right on point - these drinks can't just magically make us healthier by adding a few grams of protein or fiber. We gotta be careful what we're putting in our bodies 
. Dr. Ednie's warning about these drinks being "functional junk food" makes sense, though... let's not get too caught up in the hype and forget that soda is still basically just sugar water 
. i mean, fairlife core power has done pretty well, so it makes sense they'd want to tap into that trend. but at the same time, as doc ednie said, we gotta be cautious of these drinks being marketed as healthy when they might not live up to our expectations 
. still, its interesting to see how coke is trying to innovate and stay relevant 
but these high-fiber sodas are just gonna confuse people who r trying to eat healthy i remember when diet coke came out and it was like "oh low calorie soda" now its all about protein & fiber... i dont get it tho 
. I've been seeing those protein drinks popping up everywhere and I'm curious to try one out. But for real though, I do worry about the health implications of these new "healthier" sodas 
gotta be careful not to overdo it, don't wanna end up like my grandma 
who drank too many sodas in her 90s 
.
. What do I know? I'll stick to my good ol' Coke Zero, thanks! 
. It makes sense, especially with people getting more health-conscious, but at the same time, you gotta wonder if these high-fiber and protein sodas really are worth the hype 
Guess we'll just have to keep an eye on how this plays out in the market