PepsiCo is set to make some changes to their products in the near future, aiming to reduce the sodium content in their snacks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day for adults, yet many convenience foods are heavily saturated with salt. This excessive intake of sodium can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Recognizing the need for change, PepsiCo has announced plans to have 75% of their convenient foods meet or fall below category sodium targets by 2030.
One specific goal for PepsiCo is to reduce the sodium in their Lay’s Classic Potato Chips by 15%. Currently, one serving of chips contains 170 milligrams of sodium, and the reduction would bring it down to around 140 milligrams per serving. While the difference may only be 30 milligrams, equivalent to about 0.01 teaspoons of salt, it is a step towards promoting heart health without compromising flavor.
Registered dietitian and health professional, René Lammers, Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer for PepsiCo, emphasizes the importance of an industrywide approach to reduce sodium intake and introduce nutritious options. It is crucial for large corporations to take a leadership position and be catalysts for change. It is encouraging to see companies like PepsiCo making efforts to support a healthy eating pattern, and it is hoped that more companies will follow suit.
As consumers, we have the power to push for further changes and hold companies accountable for the nutritional value of their products. By supporting companies that prioritize health and nutrition, we can contribute to a healthier food industry.
