Coca Cola
Smoobucha combines fruit smoothies and pasteurised Kombucha. Credit: The Coca-Cola Company.

Coca Cola has expanded its Odwalla portfolio with the addition of Smoobucha.

The new beverage blends fruit smoothies with pasteurised kombucha. Available in Citrus & Guava, Berry & Ginger and Apple & Greens flavours, Smoobucha has 40% less sugar compared with other smoothie products.

The line-up also features 500 million colony forming units of bacteria that are claimed to benefit gut health. The drink is also considered to be a good source of fibre and offers the recommended daily value of antioxidant Vitamin C.

“Kombucha is growing 40% year-over-year but can be polarising because of its vinegary, tart taste.”

Odwalla Smoobucha will be sold in 15.2oz bottles.

Odwalla brand director Sara Smith said: “Our innovation strategy focuses on bringing trends from the fringe to the mainstream health and wellness shopper.

“Kombucha is growing 40% year-over-year but can be polarising because of its vinegary, tart taste. We saw this as the perfect opportunity for Odwalla to create a bridge for people who have been either intimidated to try kombucha or turned off by its taste.”

Odwalla is planning to introduce new limited-edition flavours Hot Tropics and Mint to Be Berry. They will be prepared with coconut water and botanical ingredients such as jalapeño and mint.

Last month, Coca Cola’s Simply Beverages introduced a new line of chilled, ready-to-drink (RTD) smoothies.