PepsiCo is strengthening its functional food and beverage portfolio as consumers increasingly seek products that offer nutritional benefits alongside taste and convenience. The global food and beverage major is expanding its offerings with protein, fibre and hydration-focused innovations, while retaining its traditional products to cater to different consumer preferences.
The strategy reflects a shift towards personalised nutrition, with shoppers looking for products that align with individual health goals, dietary requirements and lifestyles. Rather than replacing its established brands, PepsiCo is creating additional options that allow consumers to choose products based on their changing needs.
Speaking at a virtual Food Dive event on October 28, Sarita Porbandarwala, senior director of R&D life sciences at PepsiCo, said health and wellness mean different things to different consumers. While some seek additional protein and fibre, others prioritise hydration, workout recovery or ingredients that better match their food preferences.
Doritos offers an example of this approach. Alongside its conventional tortilla chips and different flavours, PepsiCo has introduced a protein-enhanced version and a new NKD line without artificial colours and ingredients. The move allows the brand to reach consumers seeking different nutritional and ingredient choices without moving away from its established products.
The company is also extending functional nutrition into beverages. In May, PepsiCo introduced Propel Clear Protein, a ready-to-mix powder developed to combine protein, fibre and hydration. Each serving provides 20g of protein and 3g of fibre.
The product was initially positioned to address the nutritional needs of consumers using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, who may consume less food but still require adequate nutrients to maintain muscle mass and support overall health.
However, PepsiCo found that its appeal extended beyond this consumer group. According to Porbandarwala, older adults also showed interest in the product because of the combined benefits of hydration, protein for muscle maintenance and fibre for digestive health.
Protein, fibre and hydration are becoming increasingly important areas of innovation for food and beverage manufacturers. PepsiCo believes these are not temporary consumer trends but fundamental nutritional requirements that will continue to influence product development.
The strategy comes at a challenging time for the company, as consumers in North America remain cautious about spending and increasingly consider better-for-you food options. PepsiCo has announced plans to reduce costs in the region and increase prices on some snack products to offset higher energy and agricultural expenses. The company intends to use the savings to support investments across its business.
For PepsiCo, the challenge is to balance its established snack and beverage portfolio with changing expectations around nutrition and wellness. By introducing products with additional functional benefits while maintaining familiar brands, the company is seeking to widen its consumer base and strengthen its position in the evolving health-focused food market.