PepsiCo’s approach to nutrition is evolving beyond simply eliminating sugar, salt, and fat from its products; it now emphasizes incorporating more elements that align with consumer desires. According to the company’s 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, PepsiCo is revitalizing its flagship brands by integrating higher levels of fiber and protein, alongside functional products that cater to a demographic increasingly concerned with gut health, hydration, and overall satiety.
“Consumer preferences are at the center of our innovation strategy. Some are seeking beverages with less sugar or no sugar, while others are looking for products that deliver added functionality and which better meet their expectations for hydration, metabolic health, and gut health,” stated Sue Gatenby, senior director of R&D Life Sciences at PepsiCo.
The 2025 ESG report showcases PepsiCo’s successful efforts in minimizing added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats across its product lineup. Notably, over 68% of its beverage offerings contain no more than 100 calories from added sugars per 12-ounce serving, slightly exceeding its set goal.
In the snack category, PepsiCo also surpassed its 2025 targets for reducing sodium and saturated fats. The company reported that 79% of their convenient foods portfolio achieved sodium reduction goals, with the same percentage meeting targets for saturated fats, going beyond the 75% threshold planned for each area.
Gatenby mentions that reformulation will remain a critical component of the company’s ongoing product development.
PepsiCo’s strategy for modernizing core brands such as Pepsi and Gatorade leverages their existing familiarity with health-conscious consumers. Instead of launching entirely new standalone nutrition brands, the company opts to enhance these familiar products by infusing nutrition-focused elements.
“Our progress in reducing added sugars, sodium and saturated fat comes from a combination of renovating existing products and introducing new ones that align with evolving consumer preferences” for nutrient-dense options, Gatenby added.
New lower-sugar adaptations from Pepsi have emerged, exemplified by the Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, which contains 5 grams of sugar, 30 calories, and 3 grams of prebiotic fiber per 330 mL serving, all without artificial sweeteners.
Similarly, Gatorade, a brand focused on hydration, has launched the Gatorade Lower Sugar, boasting only 5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, which represents a significant reduction from the 21 grams found in the classic Gatorade Thirst Quencher.
In terms of snacks, PepsiCo reports lower sodium levels across its Lay’s, Walkers, and Doritos brands, while incorporating 8 grams of whole grain in Tostitos and Simply Doritos. The company’s commitment to enhancing grains and macronutrients is evident in its new offerings like Quaker Fiber Instant Oatmeal, Smartfood Fiber Pop, SunChips Fiber, and Doritos Protein, reflecting PepsiCo’s responsiveness to consumer trends seeking functional benefits.