New Pepsi That Blocks Fat Formation to Be Released in Japan

'Pepsi Special' contains a dietary fiber supplement to stop the body from forming fat

More Articles by Marcy Franklin

Nov 07, 2012 @ 11:36 AM

Well, this is just taking Diet Pepsi to a whole new level: New reports show that Pepsi will release a new soda that blocks fat formation.

First reported by Kotoku, Pepsi Special contains indigestible dextrin, which is a dietary fiber supplement. The dextrin makes it difficult for the body to absorb fat, says Kotoku. Pepsi worked with Suntory, the bottler and distributor, to make sure the newest product doesn't have a strong dextrin aftertaste.

While it may not sound too safe, the drink was approved by the government as a "food for specified health uses." That designation stems from a 2006 study from Japan, which tested rats that were fed dextrin and fat. The rats who ate both dextrin and fat ingested less fat than those who ate just fat.

As the Huffington Post reports, Pepsi Special is just part of the ongoing craze for enhanced diet sodas in Japan; there's also the Kirin Mets Cola, which also contains dextrin. Take that, Coca-Cola calorie counter.