The CPG giant’s nutrition strategy is no longer just removing sugar, salt and fat out of its products –
. Pepsi’s 2025 ESG report reveals it is modernizing its core brands by introducing higher fiber, higher protein and functional products for a growing consumer base focused on gut health, satiety and hydration.
“Consumer preferences are at the center of our innovation strategy. Some are seeking beverages with less sugar or no sugar, while others are looking for products that deliver added functionality and which better meet their expectations for hydration, metabolic health, and gut health,” Sue Gatenby, senior director of R&D Life Sciences at PepsiCo, said.
The company’s 2025 ESG report shows it exceeded its goals in reducing added sugars, sodium and saturated fats across its portfolio. More than 68% of its beverage portfolio volume contain no more than 100 calories from added sugars per 12 ounce serving – exceeding its goal by one percentage point.
Pepsi surpassed its 2025 goals for both sodium and saturated fat reduction in snacks. The company said 79% of its convenient foods portfolio met its sodium target and 79% met its saturated fat target, exceeding the 75% threshold it had set for each metric.
Reformulation will continue to be an ongoing part of the company’s portfolio evolution, according to Gatenby.
Leveraging familiarity to introduce renovated formulas
Pepsi’s modernization of its core brands like Pepsi soda and Gatorade hold the advantage of familiarity among increasingly health-conscious consumers. Rather than replacing these legacy brands with new standalone nutrition brands, Pepsi’s strategy is to renovate these products with nutrition at their core.
“Our progress in reducing added sugars, sodium and saturated fat comes from a combination of renovating existing products and introducing new ones that align with evolving consumer preferences” for nutrient dense options, Gatenby said.
Lower-sugar Pepsi formulations take the shape of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola which contains 5 grams of sugar, 30 calories, 3 grams of prebiotic fiber per 330 mL serving and no artificial sweeteners, according to the company.
Pepsi’s hydration brand Gatorade is another example of the company’s nutrition approach with the launch of its Gatorade Lower Sugar which contains 5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, down from 21 grams in traditional Gatorade Thirst Quencher, a roughly 75% reduction.
Reduced sodium and added functional benefits shape core snack brands
Across Pepsi’s food portfolio the company says it has reduced sodium for Lay’s, Walkers and Doritos brands, while including 8 grams of whole grain per serving for Tostitos and Simply Doritos brands.
Pepsi’s focus on grains and macronutrients include launches for Quaker Fiber Instant Oatmeal, Smartfood Fiber Pop, SunChips Fiber and Doritos Protein – a reflection of Pepsi’s adaptation to consumer preferences for functional benefits, Gatenby notes.
