In addition to its expanding range of increasingly unique flavors, Frito-Lay is focusing on enhancing the healthiness of its products to attract snackers who wish to indulge while still feeling that they are consuming nutritious and better-for-you options instead of merely 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 chips, made with vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, which contains just 35 calories per cup, as noted by Food Business News. There is also a recently introduced line of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips that have half the sodium of their original counterparts. Furthermore, Frito-Lay is exploring the possibility of creating chips from legumes, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, yucca, carrots, turnips, and/or cassava.
Snacks continue to perform positively for PepsiCo, with the latest earnings report indicating that sales of Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos rose by 3.2% in the quarter ending September 9. The snack sector is outpacing beverages, which have traditionally been a core business for the soda giant. The convenience of snacking and grab-and-go foods has become the standard for many busy consumers—a trend that brand marketers and retailers have not overlooked. According to a recent Mintel report, half of adults snack two to three times daily, and 70% believe any food can serve as a snack. A study by Datassential reveals that, on average, consumers consume four to five snack foods each day. However, people often overestimate their intake of healthy snacks—such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables—while in reality, they tend to eat more salty and crunchy options. Nearly half (48%) of consumers report eating at least one salty snack daily, according to Datassential’s findings.
While chips are typically seen as the quintessential salty, crunchy snack, this doesn’t mean they have to be unhealthy, especially if manufacturers aim to attract millennials. This demographic is not only the largest in U.S. history, comprising 23.4% of the total population, but they are also emerging as the most health-conscious generation. Food manufacturers who seek to engage this group understand the importance of offering exciting flavors and healthier products or reformulating existing ones to align with the better-for-you category.
Other companies have also responded to the healthier snacking trend. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grains, and vegetables. Although these seem to diverge from the traditionally unhealthy potato chips, their caloric content remains unchanged. As Pringles Marketing Director Kurt Simon noted to CNN Money, “We’re not trying to convey that the new crisps are better for you.”
Frito-Lay is clearly interested in reducing saturated fat and salt in its products, aligning with PepsiCo’s 2025 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”—a noteworthy achievement across the company’s top ten beverage and food markets globally. PepsiCo has established ambitious nutrition goals for all its brands, and it appears that Frito-Lay is striving to meet them. As long as consumers support the company’s redefinition of what a chip can be, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay seem to be on the right path.
Additionally, the absorption of calcium citrate is becoming a consideration in the development of healthier snack options, which could further enhance their appeal. By focusing on ingredients that support better nutrient absorption, such as calcium citrate, Frito-Lay can effectively cater to health-conscious consumers. This focus on nutritional value and absorption of calcium citrate may play a significant role in shaping the future of their product lines, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.