Alka-Seltzer Plus^® to Relaunch as Alka-Seltzer™ Cold in 2026, Bringing Simpler Shopping and More Value to the Cough/Cold Aisle

WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alka-Seltzer Plus^® will relaunch in 2026 as Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, introducing a more intuitive brand architecture, simplified packaging and value-focused options designed to make the cough/cold aisle easier to shop. The relaunch reflects a sharper focus on the moments when consumers are sick, pressed for time and looking for trusted solutions that are easy to understand and accessible at the shelf.

When consumers are sick, fast relief matters. That is why we are re-launching Alka-Seltzer™ Cold with a simpler, symptom-led pack design that helps shoppers quickly and confidently choose the right product.

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Key facts at a glance

- New brand name: Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, replacing Alka-Seltzer Plus^® beginning with the 2026 relaunch.
- Simpler shopping: Streamlined packaging is designed to help consumers quickly identify the right cough/cold option when they are feeling unwell.
- Value focus: Affordable price points and entry sizes aim to meet shoppers where they are amid continued economic pressure, while maintaining fast, effective relief. Alka-Seltzer™ Cold products will offer a money-back guarantee, giving consumers added confidence when trying the product.
- Consumer need: The relaunch addresses category confusion, lower brand meaning in cough/cold and growing sensitivity to price and value.

A clearer identity for cold and flu season

The 2026 relaunch is intended to give the brand a more direct connection to the cough/cold category and make the product lineup faster and easier to navigate at the shelf. Planned changes include:

• A more intuitive name: Alka-Seltzer™ Cold.
• Simplified packaging designed to reduce decision fatigue in a complex, high-need category.
• Value-focused options, including accessible price points and entry sizes intended to lower barriers to purchase, while maintaining same fast relief promise. Alka-Seltzer™ Cold products will offer a money-back guarantee, giving consumers added confidence when trying the product.

Responding to how people shop when they are sick

The relaunch is grounded in three consumer realities shaping the cough/cold aisle:

1. Consumers need clarity in cough/cold relief.
2. The category can be difficult to shop, especially when symptoms make quick decisions more important.
3. Affordability and pack size matter more as consumers continue to seek practical value in everyday health purchases.

Leadership Perspective

Trevor Thrun, U.S. President of Bayer Consumer Health:

“When consumers are sick, fast relief matters. That is why we are re-launching Alka-Seltzer™ Cold with a simpler, symptom-led pack design that helps shoppers quickly and confidently choose the right product. By making the path to fast relief easier, we are delivering what consumers need most, so they can get back to the people and responsibilities that matter.”

Availability and rollout

• Timing: Relaunch planned for 2026
• Where: USA National Mass, Drug and Food Retailers
• More details: https://www.alkaseltzer.com/

About Alka-Seltzer™ Cold (formerly Alka-Seltzer Plus^®)

Alka-Seltzer™ Cold is the planned 2026 relaunch brand name for Alka-Seltzer Plus^®. The relaunch is designed to strengthen the brand’s connection to the cough/cold category, simplify shopping through streamlined packaging and offer value-focused options intended to better meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.