In a significant move within the food industry, PepsiCo has reformulated three popular Doritos flavours to conform to non-high in fat, salt, or sugar (non-HFSS) standards.
The classic Doritos flavours—Cool Original, Tangy Cheese, and Chilli Heatwave—are transitioning to a new recipe. This enhanced approach prioritises a reduction in salt and fat, decreasing these components by 24% and 15% respectively. This adjustment aligns with health-conscious consumer trends, providing an option that meets non-HFSS criteria.
PepsiCo has incorporated more corn, refined the seasoning, and improved the cooking methodology to deliver what they describe as ‘the crunchiest Doritos yet’. This change signifies a broader strategic push to utilise a thicker chip base already featured in their Dippers and Extra Flamin’ Hot lines.
The updated Doritos range has already begun to appear on UK supermarket shelves, with a full national rollout anticipated shortly. This development reflects PepsiCo’s ongoing commitment to evolving its product offerings in line with market and regulatory expectations.
Robert Lowery, PepsiCo’s R&D senior director for UK foods, stated, ‘Our teams have spent years mastering the art of cooking up delicious tortilla chips and this recipe is the culmination of all their hard work to perfect the trademark Doritos crunch.’ His comments underscore the extensive research and development involved in this initiative.
PepsiCo’s dedicated teams in Leicester and Coventry have spearheaded this transformation, engaging in comprehensive testing phases. Reports suggest that consumer testing received positive feedback, with the audience appreciating the bolder crunch and flavour profile.
This innovative progression has been facilitated by PepsiCo’s recent £13 million investment in their Coventry site. This investment enabled an overhaul of manufacturing processes, including upgrades to corn washing, milling, cutting, and cooking stages. Such advancements highlight PepsiCo’s commitment to both innovation and quality in their product lines.
PepsiCo’s reformulation of Doritos represents a forward-thinking response to shifting consumer preferences and health guidelines. The company’s investment and dedication to enhancing product quality while aligning with healthier consumption trends sets an example for the industry.
