PepsiCo is launching a new range of air-popped snacks that use a less oily production technique to tempt back customers who have deserted the potato chip aisle in search of healthier snacks.
The new “popped” products, which are being released under the Smith’s and Sunbites brands, are produced using a method that cooks the potato chips and popcorn in air rather than oil.
The Smith’s-branded air-popped chips are made with potato flakes and potato starch using a new technique that creates a light texture, according to Frito-Lay Australia subsidiary, PepsiCo Australia.
PepsiCo says the product contains 50 per cent less fat when cooked this way compared to potato chips cooked in oil. It’s seasoned using canola oil.
The company's Sunbites air-popped popcorn is cooked using the same technique. It’s made with whole grain corn kernels and then lightly seasoned. The resulting popcorn is 25 per cent lower in fat and salt than oil-popped popcorn, PepsiCo says.
According to Adrian Sandy, marketing manager at PepsiCo, the company aimed to keep the texture of air-popped popcorn as close to consumer expectations as possible.
“We have specific controls on our processes to ensure that the crunchy texture of our popcorn is what our consumers expect, but with the benefits of less sodium and less total fat,” he said.
Sandy said the new air-popped snacks address both a consumer need and a category solution for retailers.
“Shoppers are increasingly looking for snacks that are healthier, taste great and give their families variety,” he says.
According to PepsiCo's research, 55 per cent of people who reject salty snacks say that health is the primary reason.
“We undertook qualitative research for our air-popped snacks prior to launch,” Sandy says.
“In research, consumers told us that they found it difficult to find healthier snacking options for themselves and their families and were supportive of innovation that addressed this gap in the market.”
According to Sandy, the air-popped innovation is also an important part of the company’s efforts to reduce saturated fat from its snacks.
PepsiCo Australia is one of eight grocery manufacturers that have committed to the Healthier Australia Commitment industry initiative which will see these companies reduce sodium, saturated fat and energy from across their product portfolios by 2015.
