BTS just made fiber-maxxing cool with ARIH’s new gut-friendly sodas and energy drinks
The latest wellness obsession on social media isn’t protein or collagen — it’s fiber.
The trend, known online as “fiber-maxxing,” focuses on intentionally increasing daily fiber intake to support digestion, gut health and overall wellness. And now BTS is helping push the trend even further into the mainstream with the launch of its new ARIH beverage line.
MORE INFO: Prebiotic vs. Probiotic: Skip the Supplements and Feed Your Gut the Right Way Instead
The K-pop group recently partnered with Korean food companies Paldo and HY (formerly Korea Yakult) to create ARIH, a wellness-focused food and beverage brand featuring gut-friendly sodas, postbiotic energy drinks and Korean-inspired noodles.
And unlike many celebrity brands, BTS members were reportedly involved in the flavors, packaging and overall concept behind the line.
What is fiber-maxxing?
Fiber-maxxing is exactly what it sounds like: intentionally trying to eat more dietary fiber throughout the day.
The trend has exploded across TikTok and wellness communities as more people focus on gut health and the microbiome. Fiber helps support digestion and also acts as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
According to UCSF Health, adults should aim for roughly 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day to keep their gut in a healthy state.
“Americans, unfortunately, don’t always live in a healthy state,” microbiome expert Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, told the Cleveland Clinic. “People don’t eat the 25 to 35 grams of fiber the gut bacteria need to survive and replicate.”
That’s part of why ARIH’s new drinks are leaning so heavily into prebiotics, postbiotics and added fiber.
What’s inside the BTS ARIH drinks?
ARIH’s beverage lineup includes both postbiotic energy drinks and “dual biotic” sodas designed around gut health trends.
The postbiotic energy drinks contain:
- 100 milligrams of caffeine from natural sources
- Zero sugar
- No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners
- Fermented Korean ingredients like black garlic, red ginseng and goji berry extract
- Four kinds of postbiotics
Meanwhile, the dual biotic sodas include:
- Prebiotics
- Four kinds of postbiotics
- 3 grams of dietary fiber per can
- Low sugar and low calories
The sodas are specifically tied to the fiber-maxxing trend and are “dual biotic” in nature, combining fiber with ingredients meant to support the gut microbiome.
What are pre, pro and postbiotics?
The drinks use several gut-health buzzwords that many consumers are still learning about.
Probiotics are live “good” bacteria you consume (through foods like yogurt or kimchi) that help keep your gut healthy. Think of them as adding helpful workers to your digestive system.
Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed beneficial bacteria already living in the gut. They’re found naturally in foods like bananas, onions and garlic.
Postbiotics are different. They’re the beneficial byproducts probiotics create after digesting and fermenting food — things like enzymes and short-chain fatty acids that may help support gut health, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
ARIH’s “dual biotic” label simply means the drinks combine multiple gut-health-supporting ingredients together.
BTS members already have favorite flavors
The brand name ARIH comes from the Korean word “ARI,” meaning “fine” or “beautiful,” with the added “H” standing for “harmony, happiness and health,” according to the Food Network.
The BTS members, including Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, were directly involved in shaping the brand — contributing to the name, flavors, packaging and overall concept.
And, according to Forbes, each member has a preference when it comes to their ARIH brand. For example, RM (Gochujang Butter), Jimin (Vongole), V (Truffle Bulgogi and Soy Sauce Butter) like the noodles.
Suga, j-hope, Jimin and Jung Kook are fans of the drinks:
- Suga unsurprisingly went orange with the Orange Hour energy drink and Positive Orange soda
- j-hope switched it up a little with the Orange Hour energy drink and Red Ruby Galore soda
- Jin was feeling tropical with the Tropical Wave energy drink and Peach Mango Horizon soda
- Jung Kook reportedly loves lemon with the Lemon Crest energy drink and Clear Lemon soda
“ARIH is inspired by BTS; it blends the spirit of positivity and creativity behind their music with refined Korean flavor to innovate modern wellness,” the brand writes on their official ARIH website.
ARIH is launching during BTS’s major comeback era
The ARIH rollout comes as BTS continues its massive return from military hiatus.
The group’s comeback includes a new album, a Netflix concert release, a documentary and an 82-date world tour running through 2027.
ARIH launched nationwide at Walmart on April 24 and will also appear throughout BTS’s upcoming “ARIRANG World Tour” with pop-up experiences, giveaways and interactive booths for fans.
For wellness-focused fans and fiber-maxxing enthusiasts alike, the brand blends two massive trends together: gut health and BTS fandom.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
