PepsiCo India has started trials making changes to its Lay's potato chips to make it a more healthier options to customers.
According to the Economic Times report, the company has starting conducting trials to replace palm oil and palmolein with a blend of sunflower oil and pamolein in Lays chips
However, in the US, where the company PepsiCo is headquartered, Lay's chips are cooled in oils like sunflower, corn, and canola, which are considered heart-healthy.
Why these oils are used?
The use of Palm oil and palmolein is widespread in the India food industry due to their low cost as compared to other oils like sunflower or soybean oil. Moreover, these oils have been subjects of concern regarding their impact on health.
Trials underway for healthier blends
Trials involving the sunflower oil and palmolein blend in Lay's chips began last year, positioning PepsiCo India as one of the few players in the Indian food industry to take this step, reported the Economic Times citing a spokesperson of PepsiCo India.
In addition to this, the report added, PepsiCo India is also working on reducing the salty content in snacks. By the year 2025, the company aims to reduce the salt level to less than 1.3 milligram of sodium per calorie, further prioritising the health of its consumers.
“PepsiCo is dedicated to producing high-quality, great-tasting products in every market where we operate. There are often different recipes for foods or drinks in different countries, which is attributed to several factors such as local preferences, manufacturing capabilities, ingredient availability and market dynamics. Ingredients are listed on every product we sell in India, allowing consumers to make conscious decisions about their purchases.
In this context, PepsiCo India initiated trials of a blend of Sunflower Oil and Palmolein Oil in certain parts of our portfolio last year, becoming one of the few players in the food industry in India to do so," added PepsiCo India Spokesperson.
Palm Oil Reduction Amid Public Pressure; Netizens React
On the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, a user identified as Revant Himatsingka "Food Pharmer," shared a post regarding the use of palm oil and palmolein in Lay's chips in India.
His post reads, "Big win! Lay's India to reduce palm oil usage! Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil! After a lot of public pressure, Lays India has set a public statement that they have begun the process to replace palm oil in their Lays! After Lays stops palm oil, it will also put pressure on all other brands like Bingo, Haldiram to potentially replace palm oil! This is a major victory for the health of all Indians! Let us all unite and keep fighting to make India healthy!"
