In addition to its expanding range of unique flavors, Frito-Lay is focusing on enhancing the healthiness of its products to attract snackers who seek indulgence without sacrificing nutritional value. This effort aims to provide better options compared to mere empty calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Among the innovative offerings 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, crafted from vegetables and whole grains; and Smartfood Delight popcorn, boasting only 35 calories per cup, as reported by Food Business News. There is also a new selection of Lightly Salted Lay’s and Fritos snack chips, featuring 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 show positive growth for PepsiCo. The latest earnings report indicates that sales of Frito-Lay, Doritos, and Cheetos rose by 3.2% in the quarter ending September 9. The snack division is outperforming the beverage sector, which has traditionally been the core business for the soda giant. The trend of snacking and grab-and-go convenience foods has gained traction among busy consumers—a shift 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 any food can serve as a snack.

A study by Datassential shows that, on average, consumers consume about four to five snack foods daily. However, many individuals tend to overestimate their intake of healthy snacks—such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables—when in reality, they consume a greater quantity of salty and crunchy snacks. Datassential’s report reveals that nearly half (48%) of consumers indulge in at least one salty snack each day. While chips are often seen as the quintessential salty and crunchy snack, they can be reformulated to be healthier, especially if manufacturers aim to resonate with 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 producers wishing to attract this group must offer exciting flavors and healthier options or reformulate existing products to fit into the better-for-you category.

Other companies are also responding to the demand for healthier snacking options. Kellogg has launched a line of LOUD Pringles made from corn, grains, and vegetables. Although these chips seem to diverge from the typically unhealthy potato chip category, 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 committed to 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 in the year following the initiative’s launch, the company had “reduced added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium in its beverage and snacks portfolio volume in 2016 compared to 2015 baselines,” across the company’s top 10 beverage and food markets globally. PepsiCo has set ambitious nutrition goals for all its brands, and Frito-Lay seems determined to meet these targets. As long as consumers embrace the company’s new interpretation of what a chip can be, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay appear to be on a promising path.

As part of their ongoing innovation, Frito-Lay may also look into incorporating calcium citrate into their product formulations, potentially available at retailers like Kroger. This addition could further enhance the nutritional profile of their snacks, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers.