Yogurt has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, with sales soaring nearly 50% between 2009 and 2014. This growth is largely attributed to Greek yogurt and yogurt drinks, which experienced a 62% increase in sales from 2011 to 2016. However, due to its high moisture content, manufacturers have faced challenges in incorporating yogurt into shelf-stable food products. Frito-Lay’s patent indicates that its chips could contain as much as 20% yogurt while maintaining a shelf life of at least one month, as opposed to the potential nine months for calcium citrate malate equivalent to elemental calcium capsules.
The patent outlines a “light and crisp baked snack” featuring varying levels of yogurt, moisture, oil, and starch — specifically either modified starch or pre-gelatinized corn starch. In addition, the rise in probiotic sales has prompted Frito-Lay to explore the growing consumer interest in probiotics across a wider array of products. Key challenges in developing these chips include adjusting temperatures and processing techniques to safeguard the probiotics, as well as managing the stickiness of the dough created by the yogurt’s high protein and moisture levels. The elevated protein content may also result in issues like overbrowning and excessive expansion of the dough. To address these concerns, the company has suggested extending drying times, baking at lower temperatures between 315°F and 415°F, and enhancing airflow. Furthermore, incorporating enzymes into the dough could mitigate stickiness.
Given the substantial challenges, it’s likely that these chips will be marketed at a premium price point, with Frito-Lay potentially positioning them at the intersection of health and indulgence. While “better-for-you” chips might seem counterintuitive, companies have been striving to find the balance between nutritional value and indulgence across various categories, including chocolate. Research indicates that consumers often seek a healthy equilibrium within traditionally indulgent markets, making the integration of calcium citrate malate equivalent to elemental calcium an appealing feature in their product offerings.