Prebiotic. Probiotic. Two words that have made a pretty big splash in the soda aisle lately.

You've probably seen them on cans, in commercials, and just about everywhere people are talking about gut health. But what's actually the difference? And does it really matter which one is in your soda?

Good questions. Let's get into it.

First up: What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called "good bacteria," that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Your gut is already home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as your gut microbiome. Some of these microorganisms help with important functions in the body, including digestion. Probiotics are one way researchers are exploring how beneficial microorganisms can interact with the gut. You can find them in certain yogurts, fermented foods, supplements, and, you guessed it, probiotic sodas.

But not all probiotics are identical. Different strains have different properties, and their potential benefits depend on the specific strain and amount.

Okay, so what are prebiotics?

Think of prebiotics as food for certain beneficial microorganisms already living in your body. More specifically, prebiotics are substances that microorganisms can selectively use in ways that provide a health benefit. Many well-studied prebiotics are types of dietary fiber, though not all fiber qualifies as prebiotic.

You'll find prebiotic ingredients naturally in foods like onions, garlic, and bananas. Some beverage brands also add prebiotic fibers to their drinks. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics aren't live bacteria. They're the ingredients that help nourish certain microorganisms.

Prebiotic vs. probiotic soda: The quick breakdown

Here's the difference in a nutshell:

• Probiotic soda contains live microorganisms selected for their probiotic properties.

• Prebiotic soda contains ingredients, often certain types of fiber, that can be used by beneficial microorganisms.

• Both relate to the gut microbiome, but they work differently.

So, which one is better? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the ingredients, the specific probiotics or prebiotics involved, and the individual drinking them.

Why Culture Pop chooses probiotics

When we set out to make soda differently, we weren't just thinking about what we could leave out. We were thinking about what we could add in, too. That's where probiotics come in.

We wanted to bring something extra to a drink people already love, without changing everything that makes soda so good in the first place. So we chose a specific, scientifically identified probiotic strain called Bacillus Subtilis DE111, which has been studied for its potential digestive health benefits.

What makes this strain so great for soda? It doesn't impact the taste, doesn't require fermentation, and is shelf-stable, so there's no need for refrigeration. That means we can add live probiotics without compromising the bright, fruity flavors and refreshing fizz we love.

The result? A delicious, fruit-forward soda with live probiotics, made to be enjoyed wherever and whenever you feel like cracking open a can. Because we believe good soda should taste good first, with a little something extra in every sip.

So, what's the takeaway?

The next time you're looking at the soda aisle, take a peek at the label. Is it prebiotic or probiotic? What ingredients does it contain? Is it sweetened with fruit juice, refined sugar, or alternative sweeteners?

A little curiosity goes a long way. And whatever you choose, we believe good soda should start with good flavor.