Frito-Lay Will Make 50 Percent Of Its Snacks From Natural Ingredients In 2011

Frito-Lay will make 50% of its snack products in 2011 from natural ingredients, although probably not in its Cheetos and Doritos lines, in a bid to overhaul its reputation and product line. Also, the snack manufacturer will remove artificial ingredients, such as monosodium glutamate, sodium diacetate, and artificial colors, from some of its main products. Frito-Lay’s move reflects growing consumer interest in natural foods and the rapid expansion of the healthful foods market. Nutritionist Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, however, alleges that a need to enhance its public image is driving Frito-Lay’s “natural foods” move, and that the company’s New Year advertising campaign might mislead consumers into eating more chips and other snacks. She adds that the real issue is high fat and sodium content. Frito-Lay’s chief marketing officer Ann Mukherjee disagrees with Brownel, saying consumers want more and better choices in snacks.