Health-Ade’s SunSip Challenges Soda Giants with 'Classic Cola' Prebiotic Launch at Whole Foods

Health-Ade has announced a major strategic expansion for its prebiotic soda brand, SunSip, targeting the largest segment of the traditional carbonated soft drink market with the launch of SunSip Classic Cola.

The new flavour profile is designed to disrupt the category by offering a "reimagined" version of the world's most beloved soda flavour, bridging the gap between nostalgic taste and functional benefits.

Closing the 'Cola Gap'

The launch is driven by compelling category data highlighting a disparity between consumer flavour preferences and the current functional beverage landscape.

According to Health-Ade, while cola flavours account for 39% of the traditional soda market, they represent only 5% of the digestive health soda category. However, this niche is accelerating rapidly, with cola-flavoured probiotic and prebiotic sodas growing nearly 50% year-over-year.

Charlotte Mostaed, Chief Marketing Officer at Health-Ade, commented on the opportunity:

"With growing consumer demand for delicious, functional beverages, we're seeing that gap close quickly... Showing us just how much consumers crave that classic taste in a better-for-you format."

Formulation and Nutritional Specs

SunSip Classic Cola is engineered to deliver the familiar "fizzy and iconic" experience of legacy colas without the high sugar content or artificial additives.

Key Technical Specifications:

Sugar Content: 5g per can.
Sweetener System: A blend of fruit juice, monk fruit, and organic cane sugar.
Caloric Profile: 35 calories.
Functional Blend: Contains gut-healthy prebiotic fibre, Vitamins C, B6, and B12 (immunity/energy), plus Zinc and Selenium.
Clean Label: No artificial ingredients.

Commercial Rollout and Retail Strategy

Classic Cola represents SunSip's fourth flavour innovation in 2025, following the successful releases of Cream Soda, Dr. Bubbles, and Grape. The brand has leveraged a strong relationship with Whole Foods Market for this rollout.

Digital Debut: Available exclusively on SunSip.com starting 26 August.
Retail Launch: Hitting Whole Foods Market shelves nationwide beginning 3 September.

The new SKU joins the full 9-flavour portfolio at Whole Foods, which includes best-sellers like Cherry Cola, Root Beer, and the retailer’s #1 selling SunSip flavour, Cream Soda.