PepsiCo, the parent company of Frito-Lay, is strategically targeting a 15% reduction in sodium levels within its iconic Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. This initiative aims to lower the sodium content to 140 milligrams per 28-gram serving, in accordance with recommendations from health experts such as the World Health Organization (WHO), without compromising the taste of the beloved snack.
René Lammers, serving as PepsiCo’s Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer, stressed the vital need for a collective effort within the industry to significantly reduce sodium intake while incorporating vital nutritional components into diets. Lammers emphasised that assuming a leadership role to initiate transformative change is of utmost importance and underscored PepsiCo’s dedicated commitment to spearheading significant shifts within the industry.
High levels of sodium intake pose a significant risk for diet-related illnesses, leading global health authorities to advocate for reduced sodium content in food products. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults limit their daily sodium intake to below 2,000 milligrams. Savoury snacks currently account for approximately 3% of the daily sodium intake, according to data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PepsiCo has established an ambitious objective for at least 75% of its global range of food products to either meet or remain under category sodium targets by the year 2030.
Furthermore, PepsiCo has strategized to offer 145 billion portions annually across its global convenient foods lineup by 2030. These portions will encompass an array of diverse ingredients like legumes, whole grains, plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Each serving intends to contribute approximately 10% towards fulfilling the recommended daily intake of varied nutrients, aligning with established dietary guidelines.
René Lammers also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to innovation while maintaining the delectable taste that consumers love. Emphasising their aspiration to positively influence consumers’ choices, with their products enjoyed over a billion times daily, PepsiCo embarked on a journey to enhance its product lineup back in 2015. This initiative aimed to align with the 2025 nutrition targets by collaborating with agricultural experts, flavour specialists, and food developers.
In addition to their focus on lowering sodium levels, PepsiCo has successfully decreased the sugar and saturated fat content across their range of beverages and food products. Introducing alternative offerings with enhanced nutritional profiles, such as well-received choices like Pepsi MAX, 7UP Free, and Lay’s Oven Baked, reflects the company’s commitment to providing healthier options for consumers.
PepsiCo’s dedication to sustainable practices is unmistakable through its pep+ initiative, designed to bolster farmers’ efforts in sustainable food production while safeguarding natural resources for future generations. This vision was articulated by Archana Jagannathan, PepsiCo Europe’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
