PepsiCo to boost diverse ingredients and reduce sodium across portfolio

16 Nov 2023 --- PepsiCo plans to expand its diverse ingredients portfolio across Europe with a renewed commitment to delivering 145 billion portions of ingredients like legumes, whole grains, plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds by 2030. In addition, PepsiCo is resetting sodium reduction targets.

The nutrition shakeup is part of PepsiCo Positive (pep+), the company’s end-to-end strategic transformation, focusing more on sustainable ingredients with positive health outcomes for people and the planet.

It also aims to create a more sustainable food system and support the EU’s ambitious Green Deal, including by sourcing alternative crops that help to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Insufficient nutrition
The new pledge contributes to PepsiCo’s EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Business and Marketing Practices, an ambition to build a US$1 billion ‘healthier’ portfolio across Europe over the next seven years.

PepsiCo says many of its products are already made up of diverse ingredients, including Alvalle, Benenuts and 100% whole grain Quaker Oats. However, there is an insufficient intake of these ingredients across Europe, it notes. 

“Through R&D initiatives, blending technology and ingenuity, we’re reshaping our portfolio to benefit both consumers and the planet,” says Sean Westcott, senior vice president of Research and Development at PepsiCo Europe.

New sodium targets 
PepsiCo also says that 75% of its global foods volume will meet or be below category sodium targets by 2030. 

When assessing beverage selections, the consideration of reduced sugar content and an alluring taste hold equal importance in the decision-making process. In the UK, Walkers 45% Less Salt has already been rolled out, and the new range has become a £30 million (US$37.2 million) brand and is estimated to be in over 16% of UK households.

The sodium reduction targets continue the company’s strategy to reduce sugar and salt. Over recent years, PepsiCo has cut added sugars in beverages, sodium, and saturated fat in foods and created alternatives to existing brands with improved nutritional profiles. These include Pepsi MAX, 7UP Free and Lay’s Oven Baked. 

Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo Europe, adds: “Through pep+ and our Positive Agriculture pillar, we are committed to helping farmers grow food in a way that improves soil health and protects and enhances biodiversity. Our diverse ingredients goal aims to accelerate sustainable food systems while preserving natural resources for future generations.”

Edited by Gaynor Selby