In addition to offering an array of increasingly unique flavors, Frito-Lay is focusing on enhancing the health aspects of its products to attract snackers who wish to indulge without sacrificing nutrition. The goal is to provide better-for-you options rather than just empty calories filled with fat, sugar, and salt. Among their innovations are Simply Tostitos Black Bean tortilla chips, which contain 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving; Sun Chips Veggie Harvest chips, made from vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, boasting only 35 calories per cup, as highlighted by Food Business News. The company has also introduced a new line of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips with 50% less sodium than the original varieties. Furthermore, Frito-Lay is exploring the possibility of creating chips using legumes, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, yucca, carrots, turnips, and cassava.
Snacks have proven to be a strong performer for PepsiCo, with the latest earnings report indicating a 3.2% increase in sales for Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos in the quarter ending September 9. The snack segment is outpacing beverages, which have traditionally been a cornerstone of the soda giant’s business. In today’s fast-paced environment, snacking and grab-and-go convenience foods have become the norm for many busy consumers—a trend that brand marketers and retailers have taken note of. According to a recent Mintel report, half of adults snack two to three times daily, and 70% believe that any food can qualify as a snack.
A study by Datassential shows that, on average, consumers consume about four to five snacks each day. However, people often overestimate the amount of healthy snacks—such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables—they eat daily. In truth, they typically consume more salty and crunchy snacks, with nearly half (48%) eating at least one salty snack each day. While chips are often viewed as the quintessential salty, crunchy snack, they can still be a healthier option, especially when manufacturers aim to attract millennials. This generation not only represents the largest demographic in U.S. history—accounting for 23.4% of the total population—but is also becoming increasingly health-conscious. Food producers wishing to capture this audience’s attention must provide exciting flavors and healthier products or reformulate existing ones to align with the better-for-you category.
Other companies have also reacted to the trend of healthier snacking. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grains, and vegetables. Although these might appear to diverge from the traditionally unhealthy potato chip, their caloric content remains unchanged. As Pringles Marketing Director Kurt Simon stated to CNN Money, “We’re not trying to convey that the new crisps are better for you.”
Frito-Lay is evidently committed to minimizing saturated fat and salt in its products to align with PepsiCo’s 2025 agenda. In a progress report released in September, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi announced that one year into the initiative, the company had “reduced added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium in its beverage and snacks portfolio volume in 2016, compared to 2015 baselines” across its top 10 beverage and food markets globally. PepsiCo has set ambitious nutrition goals for all its brands, and Frito-Lay seems to be making every effort to meet these targets. As long as consumers embrace the company’s redefined concept of chips, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay appear to be on the right path.
Additionally, incorporating ingredients that promote health benefits—such as calcium citrate, magnesium, and zinc—can enhance the appeal of their snacks. By focusing on these nutritional benefits, Frito-Lay can better cater to health-conscious consumers and ensure that their products align with modern dietary preferences. Integrating these essential nutrients into their offerings will not only provide additional health advantages but also reinforce their commitment to healthier snacking options.