Drinking soda for a slimmer waistline? That’s what Pepsi Co. hopes to offer Japan. Japanese Pepsi distributor Suntory will launch a new Pepsi product Nov. 13. Pepsi Special, as it’s called, includes a fiber known as dextrin, which is touted as a dietary supplement that can reduce fat levels in the body.

Dextrin is basically an indigestible form of fiber. Studies of laboratory rats have found it can reduce both fat absorption and cholesterol levels. In advertisements for the new soft drink, a Japanese man is advised he no longer has to choose between pizza or a hamburger. With Pepsi Special, he can have both.

Dextrin is not a new discovery. In the U.S. it is sold as the dietary supplement Benefiber, which absorbs water as it moves through the intestines, ultimately promoting healthy digestion. But does it actually block fat in humans? The FDA isn’t yet convinced, which is why Pepsi Special will only be seen on Japanese shelves for the time being.

The Japanese Health Food and Nutrition Food Association, however, has cleared the drink for sale and certified it as “food for specific health use.” Many experts are arguing, though, that a person who wants the benefits of a diet rich in fiber could just as easily eat broccoli, carrots, cereal, granola or even raspberries. Viola! Fiber intake without the additional high fructose corn syrup and even higher calories found in a bottle of Pepsi.

One other tidbit Pepsi left out of their commercials: Benefiber—dextrin—is classified by the FDA as a laxative. Score one for U.S. regulators, right?

But the Japanese don’t seem to mind whatever side effects dextrin may or may not cause. Pepsi Special isn’t the first soda in Japan to include the fiber and make similar weight-loss claims. Competitor beverage company Kirin released its own dextrin-infused drink, Mets Cola, earlier this year, and the product has apparently been selling well.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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