March 17 (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.