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PepsiCo has expanded its UK savoury snacks portfolio with the commercial launch of Doritos Protein, introducing a high-protein tortilla chip format across grocery and convenience channels.

The rollout marks the UK debut of the brand's protein platform, following an initial deployment in the United States earlier this year. Formulated to provide 10 grams of protein per 48-gram single-serve bag, the line enters the market under non-HFSS (high in fat, salt, or sugar) nutritional standards, targeting daytime snacking and food-to-go occasions.

The product introduction debuts across two initial flavour varieties: Sweet Chilli Chipotle and Sizzling Steak, at a recommended selling price (RSP) of £2.00 per pack.

Formulation and Nutrition

The formulation of Doritos Protein departs from traditional maize-only bases, combining pulse and legume ingredients with corn to elevate macronutrient density while lowering fat content.

Manufactured with a blend of soya, lentils, and corn, the product delivers a non-HFSS nutritional profile designed to replicate the crunch and seasoning intensity of standard Doritos crisps.

Key formulation specifications and nutritional attributes include:

Protein Fortification: Delivers 10g of protein per 48g single-serve pack.

Ingredient Matrix: Produced using a base of soya, lentils, and corn.

Reduced Fat Profile: Contains 30 per cent less fat than the average bag of regular tortilla chips.

Dietary Fibre: Formulated as a high-fibre snack format.

Regulatory Compliance: Fully non-HFSS compliant under UK nutritional guidelines.

Cynthia Finke, Marketing Director for Doritos UK, stated that protein is increasingly integrated into everyday eating patterns, with consumers looking for protein options across a wider range of food categories. Finke noted that Doritos Protein addresses that preference within savoury snacking by introducing new ingredients while maintaining the brand's traditional crunch and flavour profile, adding that the 48g format provides a dedicated high-protein option for food-to-go fixtures and meal deals.

Flavour Lineup and Packaging Formats

The UK launch introduces two savoury flavour variations engineered for single-serve consumption:

🌶️ Sweet Chilli Chipotle: A sweet-and-spicy profile balancing warming chipotle chilli heat with subtle sweetness.

🥩 Sizzling Steak: A savoury meat-inspired seasoning profile developed to deliver rich, grilled flavour notes.

Packaged in 48g single-serve bags carrying an RSP of £2.00, the format is sized specifically for convenience checkouts, grab-and-go lunchtime displays, and front-of-store meal deals.

Healthier Snacking Portfolio

The UK arrival of Doritos Protein follows the product's US debut in February and aligns with PepsiCo's wider operational programme to expand its healthier snack portfolio across British supermarket aisles.

The rollout takes place as shifting consumer purchasing habits, inflationary pressures, and the wider adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss medications alter demand across traditional snack and beverage aisles. In response, food manufacturers are formulating snacks offering higher satiety, reduced fat levels, and added micronutrients or protein.

The introduction of Doritos Protein follows PepsiCo's launch of Wow earlier this week, a better-for-you UK snacking masterbrand that brings reformulated, non-HFSS versions of Wotsits and Snack a Jacks into grocery multiples. Through high-protein and reduced-fat line extensions across core brand names, PepsiCo continues to reposition its savoury snacks estate toward functional, nutrient-dense formats.