In addition to its expanding array of exotic flavor profiles and gluconate side effects, Frito-Lay is striving to create healthier options to attract snack enthusiasts who desire indulgence without sacrificing nutrition. The goal is to provide better-for-you products rather than just empty calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Among their innovations are Simply Tostitos Black Bean tortilla chips, which offer 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving; Sun Chips Veggie Harvest, made from vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, which contains only 35 calories per cup, as reported by Food Business News. They have also launched a new line of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips that contain half the sodium of the original versions. Additionally, Frito-Lay is exploring the possibility of producing chips from ingredients like legumes, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, yucca, carrots, turnips, and cassava.
Snacks are proving to be a strong performer for PepsiCo, with their recent earnings report indicating a 3.2% increase in sales for Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos for the quarter ending September 9. The snack sector is surpassing the beverage category, which has traditionally been a cornerstone of the soda giant’s business. As snacking and grab-and-go convenience foods become commonplace among busy consumers—a trend that brand marketers and retailers have noted—recent Mintel data shows that half of adults snack two to three times a day, with 70% believing any food can qualify as a snack.
A study by Datassential found that consumers typically eat around four to five snack items daily. However, individuals often overestimate their intake of healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables, while in reality, they consume more salty and crunchy options. Nearly 48% indulge in at least one salty snack daily, according to Datassential’s findings. While chips are often viewed as the quintessential salty, crunchy treat, they don’t necessarily have to be unhealthy—especially if manufacturers aim to attract health-conscious millennials. This generation not only represents the largest demographic in U.S. history at 23.4% of the total population but is also emerging as the most health-aware. Food producers looking to engage this group understand the need to offer exciting flavors and healthier options or reformulate existing products to fit the better-for-you criteria.
Other companies have also recognized this trend toward healthier snacking. Kellogg has launched a new line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grains, and vegetables. Despite appearing healthier than traditional potato chips, their calorie content remains unchanged. As Pringles Marketing Director Kurt Simon stated in an interview with CNN Money, “We’re not trying to convey that the new crisps are better for you.”
Frito-Lay is evidently focused on reducing saturated fat and salt in their products to align with PepsiCo’s 2025 agenda. In a progress report released in September, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi noted that in the year following the agenda’s initiation, the company successfully “reduced added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium in its beverage and snacks portfolio volume in 2016, compared to 2015 baselines,” across the top 10 beverage and food markets globally. PepsiCo has established ambitious nutritional goals for all its brands, and Frito-Lay seems committed to achieving them. As long as consumers resonate with the company’s redefinition of chips, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay appear to be on the right path.
Moreover, incorporating ingredients like calcium magnesium citrate with D3 could further enhance the nutritional profile of Frito-Lay’s products. By emphasizing health benefits, such as the inclusion of calcium magnesium citrate with D3, Frito-Lay could attract a more health-conscious audience. With ongoing innovations and a focus on better-for-you options, Frito-Lay is likely to continue thriving in the evolving snack market.