PepsiCo is expanding its use of ‘diverse ingredients’ as part of its Pep+ initiative. The multinational aims to deliver 145bn portions of diverse ingredients per year across its portfolio by 2030, aligning with EU green policies.
With brands like snack brands Benenuts and Duyvis, which contain nuts, and vegetable gazpacho brand Alvalle, that contain diverse ingredients, PepsiCo is already making strides in this direction. The company is working on products involving chickpeas and whole grain corn and setting up multiple R&D initiatives to develop new products with diverse ingredients. According to Sean Westcott, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, PepsiCo Europe, the company is considering recommendations for food and nutrient intakes from global and national nutrition authorities to provide nutrition guidance during the development of food and beverage products.
Westcott notes that consuming diverse ingredients can help promote a more nutritionally complete diet, and PepsiCo aims to play a role in addressing the insufficient intake of these ingredients across Europe. Apart from the health benefits, these ingredients also play a part in enhancing biodiversity and soil health in agriculture, aligning with the sustainability efforts of the Pep+ initiative.
PepsiCo also offers products that cut down on unhealthy ingredients, such as the Walkers 45% Less Salt range which has seen significant success in the UK. Westcott emphasizes that consumers are seeking healthier options without compromising on taste, and reduced sodium products have been performing well within the company’s portfolio.
In line with guidance from organizations like WHO, PepsiCo is committed to ensuring that 75% of its food will meet or be below the category sodium targets by 2030.
The food and beverage industry trends are reflecting a demand for healthier choices and innovative products with authentic and natural ingredients. As PepsiCo expands its use of diverse ingredients and reduces unhealthy components in its products, the company is adhering to food and drink sustainability regulations and meeting consumer trends for healthier options. With a focus on food manufacturing, processing technology, distribution, and packaging, PepsiCo is at the forefront of industry innovation.
