PepsiCo expands functional foods push with Doritos protein chips and Starbucks coffee drinks

PepsiCo has unveiled two major product launches centered on protein-enriched foods and beverages, introducing Doritos Protein tortilla-style chips and Starbucks Coffee & Protein ready-to-drink beverages as the company expands its portfolio of functional products.

• PepsiCo has launched Doritos Protein tortilla-style chips delivering 10g of protein per serving, with a 17-gram single-serve bag planned for later this year.

• Through the North American Coffee Partnership with Starbucks, the company is also introducing bottled Starbucks Coffee & Protein beverages containing 22g of protein and prebiotic fiber.

• The launches reflect growing consumer demand for functional ingredients such as protein and fiber in everyday snacks and drinks.

The two launches highlight PepsiCo’s strategy of incorporating functional ingredients into well-established brands as consumer demand for protein continues to grow across both food and beverage categories.

The company said Doritos Protein will begin appearing on retail shelves next month, marking the brand’s first major entry into the protein snack segment.

Each one-ounce serving contains 10g of protein, with a single-serve bag delivering 17g of protein scheduled for release later this year. The product launches in two established Doritos flavors: Nacho Cheese and Sweet & Tangy BBQ.

According to PepsiCo Foods US, the product was developed to retain the familiar flavor and crunch associated with Doritos while introducing functional nutrition benefits.

“The launch of Doritos Protein marks our strategic expansion into the protein snack category,” said Hernán Tantardini, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo Foods US. “We’re elevating the bold flavor and signature snacking experience consumers expect by using novel flavor and seasoning methods. Now, each one-ounce serving delivers 10g of protein, and a single-serve bag with 17g of protein is coming later this year.”

He said the launch reflects broader changes in consumer expectations around snacks.

“This innovation underscores PepsiCo Foods’ commitment to evolving its portfolio to meet shifting consumer preferences toward foods with functional ingredients. Seventy percent of consumers want their salty snacks to have protein – and now we are making it more accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday snacking occasions without compromising the distinctive Doritos experience.”

Doritos Protein uses dairy-derived casein protein, a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. The product also avoids artificial colors and flavors while maintaining the brand’s established flavor profile.

The company said the move reflects broader trends in consumer behavior, noting that 86% of Americans are actively adding protein to their diets, while more than half prioritize protein when choosing snacks.

“Doritos is synonymous with bold flavor and iconic crunch – two attributes that our fans know and love,” said Jess Spaulding, Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods US. “When we set out to create this product, we wanted to ensure we were delivering that unmistakable snacking experience, but in a new way with the added benefit of protein.”

Doritos Protein will initially be available in 7oz bags priced at US$4.89 and 12.75oz bags priced at US$7.39, with additional formats planned for later in the year.

Alongside the Doritos launch, PepsiCo is also introducing Starbucks Coffee & Protein, a new ready-to-drink beverage developed through the North American Coffee Partnership, the long-running joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo.

The bottled beverage blends Starbucks coffee with 22g of complete protein, 5g of prebiotic fiber, and five vitamins and minerals, while containing 2g of sugar per 12-fluid-ounce bottle.

The product launched nationwide on March 23, with a suggested retail price of US$3.99 per bottle.

Two flavors will be available at launch: Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha.

“Consumers are looking for wellness solutions that fit seamlessly into their morning routines,” said Brian Smith, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at the North American Coffee Partnership.

“Starbucks Coffee & Protein delivers both great taste and nutrients, offering 22g of complete protein and 5g of prebiotic fiber in a convenient, ready-to-drink bottle that supports busy lifestyles.”

The new product builds on Starbucks’ broader efforts to incorporate functional ingredients into its beverage lineup. The company previously introduced Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foams to its coffeehouse menus in the United States and Canada.

The ready-to-drink product expands that strategy into retail channels, including grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms.

The Starbucks launch also forms part of a wider rollout of lower-sugar and functional beverages in the ready-to-drink category.

Additional new products include RTD Starbucks Iced Espresso Lite Chilled Multiserve, which delivers coffee flavor with zero added sugars and 90 calories per serving; Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Zero Sugar, a coffee-based energy drink with under 100 calories; and RTD Starbucks Frappuccino Lite Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato, a 100-calorie version of the brand’s bottled Frappuccino drinks.

Industry data cited by the companies suggests the move toward functional products reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior.

According to the IFIC Food & Health Survey 2025, around 80% of Americans prioritize protein in their daily diets, while research cited in the launch materials indicates 54% of consumers are also seeking foods and beverages with higher fiber content.

PepsiCo said the Doritos and Starbucks launches form part of a wider effort to integrate functional ingredients across its portfolio. Other recent introductions include SmartFood Fiber Pop popcorn, SunChips Fiber snacks, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, poppi Prebiotic Soda, and Quaker Protein products such as granola bars and oats.

Together, the launches signal a broader shift in the company’s product strategy toward snacks and beverages that combine familiar brands with added nutritional functionality as consumer demand for protein continues to reshape food and beverage categories.