Dive Brief:
- PepsiCo, Inc. has recently increased its focus on R&D, which has resulted in such product development as the Deep Ridged chip, a potato chip first made on a 3D printer, as well as a "Gatorade pod to help athletes get the nutrients they need quickly, a Naked Juice Kale Blazer for juicing fans and a low-calorie Mountain Dew," according to Fortune.
- The beverage and snack giant is one of many major food companies making strides into the healthier foods circle demanded by consumers. The company has focused on products like protein bars and Quaker Oats products for those reasons in recent years.
- However, PepsiCo has seen unexpected results as well. What was once considered a healthier option, Diet Pepsi is falling out of favor with consumers as they move toward a different definition of healthy — one that focuses less on fat and calories and more on ingredients and nutritional benefits.
Dive Insight:
CEO Indra Nooyi has led the way in the increase of R&D for PepsiCo, having doubled it in her tenure. This has included both innovative and healthier products over the years.
One interesting discovery for PepsiCo, however, is that many products deemed unhealthy are still very popular with consumers, such as Doritos and Mountain Dew. Experts believe this is because consumers want healthy products when they want to be healthy, and they want junk food when they want to eat whatever they want.
Either way, PepsiCo continues to try to deliver consumers what they ask for, most recently in the form of the Stubborn Soda craft soda line and DEWshine soda made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.