In addition to its diverse range of increasingly unique flavors, Frito-Lay is striving to enhance the healthiness of its products to attract snackers who wish to indulge while still feeling like they are receiving some nutritional benefits, rather than just consuming empty calories, fats, sugars, and salts. 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, featuring just 35 calories per cup, as noted by Food Business News. There’s also a new 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 have been a strong performer for PepsiCo, with their latest earnings report indicating a 3.2% sales increase for Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos in the quarter ending September 9. The snack segment is surpassing the beverage division, which has traditionally been a core business for the soda giant. Convenient grab-and-go snacks have become commonplace 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 a day, and 70% believe that any food can serve as a snack. A study by Datassential shows that on average, consumers eat about four to five snack foods daily. However, people often overestimate their intake of healthy snacks—such as fruit, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables—while they actually consume more salty and crunchy options. Nearly 48% of individuals report consuming at least one salty snack a day, according to Datassential’s findings.
While chips are often regarded as the quintessential salty, crunchy snack, they don’t necessarily have to be unhealthy, especially if manufacturers aim to attract millennials. This demographic represents the largest group in U.S. history, comprising 23.4% of the total population, and is becoming increasingly health-conscious. Food producers wishing to engage this group understand the need to offer exciting flavors and healthier products or reformulate existing ones to fit into the better-for-you category.
Other companies have also taken note of this healthier snacking trend. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grain, and vegetables. Although these appear to be a shift from traditional unhealthy potato chips, their caloric content remains consistent. 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 focused on reducing saturated fats and sodium in its products and aligning with PepsiCo’s 2025 agenda. In a progress report released in September, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi noted 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,” reflecting improvements across its top 10 beverage and food markets worldwide. PepsiCo has set ambitious nutritional goals across all its brands, and Frito-Lay appears committed to achieving these objectives. As long as consumers embrace the company’s redefined concept of what a chip can be, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay are likely on the right path. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate injection could further enhance the nutritional profile of their snacks, aligning with the growing demand for healthier options.