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PepsiCo announced on Thursday, July 1, that it would be reducing the sugar content of its iced teas and soda drinks. The American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in New York said it is planning to lessen the sugar levels in the European Union by 25%.
By 2030, the cut in sugar levels is expected to increase by 50%, and this is applicable to the company’s leading beverage products, including 7UP, Lipton Iced Tea, and Pepsi Cola. These items with reduced sugars are going to be sold across Europe.
Healthier options for the consumers
In addition, it also shared that it is aiming to release healthier snacks for consumers who are health-conscious. PepsiCo’s target is to make these nutritious food items available in the market by the year 2025.
As per Reuters, the company’s second-biggest market is snacks, so it will be adding nutritious options to widen its range of customers. This time, it will try to attract health-conscious consumer groups.
To achieve the goal, PepsiCo will be reformulating its products and will start using low-calorie sweeteners in drinks. For the snacks, it will launch the healthier version of its PopWorks popcorn line. It will also market low-fat items such as the Lay's Oven Baked varieties.
"In Europe today, almost one in three beverages we sell is sugar-free and we believe this trend will continue to grow over time," Silviu Popovi, chief executive officer of PepsiCo Europe, said in a statement. With this pledge, we can use our experience with sugar reduction to accelerate our shift to a healthier snacks portfolio.”
Companies to offer healthier products
According to Food Bev, PepsiCo’s announcement comes as the scrutiny over nutrition in consumer goods of global brands continues to increase. This started when Nestle was revealed to be manufacturing and selling unhealthy food items. It was said that 60% of the company’s food and drinks does not qualify in the “recognized definition of health.”
The call for healthier products also pushed the European Union Soft Drinks Associations (UNESDA), which represents Europe's soft drinks industry that includes Coca-Cola, to also declare its pledge to reduce sugars in beverages by 10%.
