PepsiCo’s recently launched Good Warrior brand is expanding its presence in protein with bars as the food giant aims to better align its portfolio with buzzy consumer trends.
Each Good Warrior Bar has 15 grams of protein, up to 7 grams of sugar and is a good source of fiber, according to PepsiCo. The offering, which is also made without artificial preservatives or flavors, is available in sweet cocoa, cookie dough and cookies & cream.
“Good Warrior Bars are a great example of how we're evolving our portfolio to meet a wider range of consumer needs and occasions while delivering the flavor and quality people expect,” Hernán Tantardini, PepsiCo Foods’ chief marketing officer, said in a statement.
PepsiCo said as protein moves beyond fitness and becomes a nutrition priority for everyday consumers, shoppers are looking for more snacks that bring both flavor and functional benefits. PepsiCo noted 86% of Americans are actively adding protein to their diet, with more than half prioritizing protein during snacking occasions.
PepsiCo has responded by innovating its snacking portfolio to offer more products with the nutrient.
It launched Good Warrior in March, marking PepsiCo’s first foray into the fast-growing meat stick segment. At the time, PepsiCo said the nascent brand planned to enter additional product categories later this year, though it did not provide specifics.
Other parts of PepsiCo’s snacking portfolio have doubled down on protein, including Doritos and PopCorners.
The move to bulk up with protein comes as PepsiCo’s snacking portfolio has struggled with shoppers pulling back on spending and gravitating toward healthier, less processed items.
The company told analysts recently it planned to improve its business by launching more on-trend products, such as offerings with simpler ingredients, alternative oils and functional elements such as protein and fiber.
