Coke is adding fibre to its drinks to convince health-conscious people to buy more soda

Coke's flagship cola is being sold as a health drink of sorts in Japan, with a version that promises to deliver fibre. 'Coca-Cola Plus' has shipped in white bottles and is designed to go alongside meals. The no-calorie beverage contains five grams (0.2oz) of indigestible dextrin – a source of dietary fibre – per 470ml bottle. 'Drinking one Coca-Cola Plus per day with food will help suppress fat absorption and help moderate the levels of triglycerides in the blood after eating,' the company said in a press release.
It claims that the drink is a result of 'more than a decade of research and development'. The launch of Coca-Cola Plus was noted by the company in Japan during a call Tuesday, as well as Canada Dry Plus that has fibre. Coca-Cola Plus hit shelves in March, the company said, and is being marketed to the 40-and-over crowd. The company said this group is driving the growth of the country's 'food of specified health use' (FOSHU) products.
'Coca-Cola Plus is a sugar-free and calorie-free beverage with FOSHU functions,' said Dr David Machiels, product development director at Coca-Cola Asia Pacific.
'We hope people will drink it with meals.'