In May, PepsiCo launched Propel Vitamin Boost, a fitness water enhanced with 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamins B3, B5, B6 and C as well as electrolytes. The 20-oz bottles contain 10 calories each and come in three flavors: strawberry raspberry, apple pear and peach mango.
“Based on consumer insights, Propel knows that those with active lifestyles desire choice, as well as water that delivers added benefits, such as electrolytes and vitamins,” the company said. “The brand also knows that many consumers value more natural sweeteners, colors or flavors. The introduction of Propel Vitamin Boost delivers on both fronts. It is an example of the brand’s commitment to innovation and providing a variety of hydration solutions that meet the needs and ingredient preferences of consumers. Made with no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors, Propel Vitamin Boost offers those with active lifestyles more choices when it comes to their unique hydration needs and ingredient preferences.”
This summer, PepsiCo rolled out Bolt24, a new product under its Gatorade brand geared toward the athlete “off the field.” The product’s name was inspired by the need to keep athletes in shape 24 hours a day, the company said. Bolt24 contains 80 calories and 100% of the daily value of vitamins A, C, B3, B5 and B6. The beverage contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors and will be available in three varieties: mixed berry, tropical mango and watermelon strawberry.
“Bolt24 is a new platform for us,” said Ramon Laguarta, chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo. “It’s going to be a functional platform catering to the athlete off the field. I think the consumption would be off the field. We’re trying to give hydration to the athlete during the day with functional benefits that are all-natural. … Bolt24 is watermelon water plus sea salt. That’s how the consumer will get ... electrolytes. And then we’re adding some vitamins or antioxidants. And you will see more innovation coming under that platform. That will be off-the-field functionality for the core athlete.”
Along with functional beverages, PepsiCo also bet on healthier snack options this year. In July, the company’s Bare Snacks brand introduced Bare Medleys, featuring blends of baked fruit and coconut chips. The Non-GMO Project verified crunchy snack mixes are available in two varieties: pineapple and coconut chips, and apple chips and strawberry chips.
“From pineapples and coconuts to apples and strawberries, our two new Bare Medleys flavor combinations perfectly capture the sweetly satisfying taste of summer,” said Vandita Panday, senior director of Bare Snacks. “Bare Medleys bring the signature bare crunch to new popular fruits for a delicious snacking experience with simple ingredients.”
In October, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division bolstered its better-for-you snack portfolio with the introduction of Smartfood Smart50. The air popped, ready-to-eat snack is made from 100% whole grain popcorn and contains 50 calories or fewer per cup. Flavors include sea salt and white cheddar.
“With the launch of Smart50, we wanted to show consumers that making smart choices doesn’t mean having to sacrifice fun or flavor.” — Tracey Williams, PepsiCo
“With the launch of Smart50, we wanted to show consumers that making smart choices doesn’t mean having to sacrifice fun or flavor,” said Tracey Williams, senior director of marketing at PepsiCo. “As our latest innovation, Smart50 extends our brand mission to provide simple and transparent ingredients and is designed to make consumers feel good about their snacking choices.”
While PepsiCo offered new options for consumers seeking healthier snacks, the company also invested in bold flavor innovation within its core brands, Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho, which rolled out in January, are nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips featuring a fiery twist. Each 12-chip serving contains 150 calories.
“Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho is a new, unique flavor that gives fans the essence of the original Doritos Nacho Cheese with a flamin’ hot kick we know snackers love,” said Leslie Vesper, senior director of marketing for Frito-Lay North America. “We’re excited to bring together two of our most popular flavors just in time to spice up the snack aisle for the new year.”
In March, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division expanded its snack selection with Flavor Shots, a new line of crunchy, boldly flavored Doritos and Cheetos brand snacks. The poppable snacks are available in four varieties: Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Cheese Nuts, Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Asteroids, Doritos Fiery Habanero Triangles and Doritos Nacho Cheese Nuts.
“For over 10 years, fans have overwhelmingly asked for Cheetos Asteroids to return to store shelves,” said Fauzia Haq, senior director of marketing for Frito-Lay North America. “The consumer demand could not be ignored, and we’re thrilled to relaunch Cheetos Asteroids, alongside three bold Doritos flavors.”
Smartfood Flamin’ Hot White Cheddar Flavored Popcorn debuted in July from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Providing 15 grams of whole grains per serving, the spicy snack is an air-popped, ready-to-eat popcorn tossed in white cheddar cheese and Flamin’ Hot flavored powder.
“We are delighted to provide an all-new, delicious snack to our customers looking for new ways to bring the heat,” Ms. Williams said.
In October, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division debuted Doritos Screamin’ Sriracha. The corn tortilla chips are coated in spicy sriracha-flavored seasoning and contain 140 calories per 12-chip serving.
PepsiCo unveiled new Lay’s Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup flavored potato chips in October. The chips feature “a dynamic combination of tomato taste and buttery cheese with underlying creamy and toasted notes,” according to PepsiCo. The new Lay’s flavor contains 160 calories per 15-chip serving.
