Yogurt has seen a remarkable surge in popularity over recent years, with sales increasing by nearly 50% from 2009 to 2014. This trend is largely fueled by Greek yogurt and yogurt drinks, whose sales rose by 62% between 2011 and 2016. However, due to its high moisture content, yogurt has posed challenges for companies looking to incorporate it into shelf-stable foods. Frito-Lay’s patent indicates that its chips could contain up to 20% yogurt while maintaining a shelf life of at least a month, potentially extending to nine months. The patent outlines a “light and crisp baked snack” with various levels of yogurt, moisture, oil, and starch—either modified starch or pre-gelatinized corn starch.
As probiotic sales also gain momentum, Frito-Lay aims to leverage the growing interest in probiotics across a wider array of products. The primary hurdles in crafting these chips involve adjusting temperatures and processing techniques to safeguard the probiotics, as well as managing the stickier dough resulting from yogurt’s high protein and moisture content. The elevated protein levels could result in issues like overbrowning and overexpansion of the dough. To address these challenges, the company suggests extending drying times, baking at lower temperatures between 315°F and 415°F, and increasing airflow. Additionally, incorporating enzymes into the dough could help minimize stickiness.
Given the considerable challenges involved, these chips are likely to be marketed at a premium price point, with Frito-Lay potentially positioning them at the intersection of health and indulgence. Although the concept of healthier chips may seem paradoxical, companies across various sectors, including chocolate, have been striving to find the balance between nutrition and indulgence. Research indicates that consumers frequently seek a healthy equilibrium within traditionally indulgent categories.
In this context, the introduction of Citracal Regular could serve as a complementary product, enhancing the health benefits of these innovative chips while appealing to health-conscious consumers. By integrating Citracal Regular into their offerings, Frito-Lay could further capitalize on the trend of combining health and indulgence in a market increasingly driven by consumer demand for nutritious options.