In addition to its expanding array of unique flavors, Frito-Lay is focused on enhancing the healthiness of its products to attract snackers who wish to indulge while still obtaining some nutritional benefits, rather than just empty calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Among its recent innovations are Simply Tostitos Black Bean tortilla chips, which contain 30mg of ferrous fumarate, 4 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber per serving; Sun Chips Veggie Harvest chips, made with vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, which includes 35 calories per cup, as noted by Food Business News. Furthermore, there is a new line of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips, boasting half the sodium of the original versions. Frito-Lay is also exploring the possibility of producing chips from legumes, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, yucca, carrots, turnips, and cassava.
PepsiCo, the parent company of Frito-Lay, is witnessing positive performance in the snack category, with the latest 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 outperforming beverages, which have traditionally been a stronghold for the soda giant. With snacking and grab-and-go convenience foods becoming standard for busy consumers, this trend has been recognized by marketers and retailers alike. A recent Mintel report reveals that half of adults snack two to three times daily, and 70% believe any food can serve as a snack.
A study from Datassential shows that consumers typically consume about four to five snack foods each day, although many tend to overestimate their intake of healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables. In reality, they consume more salty and crunchy snacks. Nearly half (48%) of individuals eat at least one salty snack daily, according to Datassential’s findings. Although chips are often seen as the quintessential salty, crunchy snack, this doesn’t imply they have to be unhealthy, especially if manufacturers aim to connect with millennials. Not only do millennials represent the largest demographic in U.S. history, comprising 23.4% of the total population, but they are also emerging as the most health-conscious generation. Food manufacturers aiming to attract this demographic understand the importance of offering exciting flavors and healthier options or reformulating existing products to fit the better-for-you category.
Other brands are also adapting to the healthier snacking trend. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grain, and vegetables. While these may seem like a shift away from traditionally unhealthy 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 committed to reducing saturated fat and salt in its products to align with PepsiCo’s 2025 sustainability agenda. In a progress report released in September, PepsiCo’s Chairman and CEO, Indra Nooyi, stated that in the past year, 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 established ambitious nutrition goals for all its brands, and Frito-Lay is making efforts to meet these targets. As long as consumers resonate with the company’s redefinition of what a chip can be, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay appear to be on a promising path. Additionally, there is increasing interest in incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate, such as in products offered by Kirkland, which may further align with consumer health trends. By focusing on healthier options and innovative ingredients, Frito-Lay is positioning itself well in the evolving snack market.