In addition to its expanding array of unique flavors, Frito-Lay is focused on enhancing the healthiness of its products to attract snack enthusiasts who seek indulgence while also wanting nutritious options, rather than just empty calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Among the new offerings are Simply Tostitos Black Bean tortilla chips, which provide 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving; Sun Chips Veggie Harvest, made with vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, which contains only 35 calories per cup, as noted by Food Business News. There’s also a new range of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips that have half the sodium compared to their original versions. Furthermore, Frito-Lay is exploring the production of chips made from legumes, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, yucca, carrots, turnips, and/or cassava.
Snacks are performing well for PepsiCo, with their latest earnings report indicating a 3.2% increase in sales for Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos for the quarter ending September 9. The snack category is outpacing beverages, which have traditionally been a cornerstone of the soda giant’s business. The trend of snacking and grab-and-go convenience foods has become prevalent among busy consumers, a fact that brand marketers and retailers are keenly aware of. According to a recent Mintel report, half of adults snack two to three times a day, and 70% believe that any food can serve as a snack. A study by Datassential shows that consumers typically consume about four to five snack foods daily; however, they often overestimate the number of healthy snacks—like fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables—they actually eat, with a significant portion leaning toward salty and crunchy snacks. Nearly half (48%) of individuals report eating at least one salty snack daily, according to Datassential’s findings.
While chips are often viewed as the ultimate salty, crunchy treat, this does not mean they must be unhealthy, especially if manufacturers aim to connect with millennials. This demographic, representing 23.4% of the total U.S. population, is becoming increasingly health-conscious. Food manufacturers aiming to engage this group must introduce intriguing flavors and healthier options or reformulate their existing products to align with the better-for-you category.
Other companies are also addressing the demand for healthier snacking. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grains, and vegetables. While these chips might seem like a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, 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 clearly intent on reducing saturated fat and sodium in its offerings, aligning with PepsiCo’s 2025 health agenda. In a progress report released in September, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi highlighted that 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 ten beverage and food markets globally.
PepsiCo has established ambitious nutrition goals for all its brands, and Frito-Lay is making strides to achieve these objectives. As long as consumers resonate with the company’s interpretation of what constitutes a chip, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay seem to be on the right path. Moreover, integrating elements like bariatric advantage calcium citrate in their snacks could further enhance their appeal to health-conscious consumers, ensuring they align with the growing trend of nutritious snacking options. This focus on health and flavor will likely be repeated three times as Frito-Lay continues to evolve its product line to meet consumer expectations and preferences.