PepsiCo reformulates Walkers, Doritos for HFSS

Walkers is continuing its portfolio transformation, revamping products from three popular ranges – Walkers Baked, Doritos Dippers and PopWorks – to become non-HFSS, meeting the demand for healthier snacks that don’t compromise on taste.

PepsiCo says that the new products, coupled with the nationwide roll-out of PopWorks, show the company’s dedication to increasing choice across “better-for-you” snacking options without compromising on enjoyment. The company says this is also an important step towards its ambition for half of its snack sales to come from non-HFSS alternatives or from products sold in portions of 100 calories or less, by 2025.

The changes are part of a £35 million investment (over the next three years), which sees experts at Walkers global R&D centre in Leicester innovating to reduce saturated fat and salt content without impacting flavour and taste. The ranges also meet consumer demand for products that deliver on flavour and enjoyment (with 71 per cent noting health as a key driver for snacking occasions, and 80 per cent stating enjoyment).

POPWORKS

PopWorks, which is now available nationwide across grocery, convenience, and wholesale channels, are snacks that have the irresistible taste customers are looking for. PopWorks are never fried, contain 40-60 per cent less fat than regular potato crisps, and are under 100 calories per 17g serving. A crunchy, puffy and tasty snack, they are available in Sweet & Salty, Sweet Chipotle Chilli, and Sour Cream & Onion flavours and all three flavours are NHFSS. These SKUs come in sharing formats – and Sweet & Salty and Sweet Chipotle Chilli also come in single pack formats, making them suitable for any snacking occasion. The Sweet and Salty flavour is also vegan.

WALKERS BAKED

The Walkers Baked range has been transformed and now offers customers 100 per cent non-HFSS, healthier savoury snack options that deliver on flavour. The Walkers Baked range is baked never fried, contains 50 per cent less fat than regular potato crisps and has less than 100 calories per 22g multipack bag. All Cheese & Onion, Sea Salted, Salt & Vinegar, Prawn Cocktail and new Cheese & Jalapeno flavours are available in grab bags and multipack formats – and the packaging has a new look and feel to showcase the health claims the range now offers.

DORITOS DIPPERS

Finally, Doritos Dippers has updated its range to include three non-HFSS flavours: Hint of Salt, Hint of Smoked Paprika, and Hint of Sour Cream. Now 30 per cent thicker and crunchier, consumers can load up this delicious chip with their favourite dips and toppings for the ultimate dipping experience. Available in 270g packs, Doritos Dippers are perfect for sharing and family snacking occasions.

“We have taken some of our best-loved brands – PopWorks, Doritos Dippers and Walkers Baked – and transformed them to offer customers a wider selection of flavourful non-HFSS snacks,” said Fiona Tomlin, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo. “This is an important milestone in our long-term commitment to provide smart snacking choices, without compromising on taste.

“We’re dedicated to bringing more choice to millions of UK consumers by offering a wide range of non-HFSS options. I am confident that consumers will enjoy these exciting products as much as their old favourites.”

Earlier this year, the company launched Walkers 45 per cent Less Salt, its first non-HFSS potato crisp range. This new product contains nearly half the salt compared with regular crisps, while maintaining the great flavour that Walkers is known for, made possible by using new ingredients to replace sodium.

More recently the company also launched new non-HFSS SKUs across Walkers MAX, Snack a Jacks and Quaker.

Walkers’ dedication to inspiring customers to make positive choices forms part of PepsiCo Positive, the company’s strategic end-to-end transformation plan with health and sustainability at the centre.

PopWorks, Doritos Dippers and Walkers Baked are available nationwide from July onwards.