(Reuters) - PepsiCo ( PEP ) said on Monday it would buy prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, expanding in the "healthier soda" category.

Demand for healthier sodas and energy drink has surged among the younger population in the U.S. as more people turn to fitness and lifestyle products.

Poppi, based in Austin, Texas, was founded by Allison Ellsworth and Stephen Ellsworth.

The deal includes $300 million of anticipated cash tax benefits for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion.

(Reporting by Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)