PEPSICO INDIA BETS ON AFFORDABLE NUTRITION WITH LAUNCH OF QUAKER PROTEIN LADOOZ AND CHIKKI BITES

PepsiCo India has unveiled Quaker Protein Ladooz and Chikki Bites, two affordable snacks designed to address protein and fibre gaps among urban consumers. Backed by consumer research conducted with Euromonitor International, the products combine traditional Indian flavours, nutrition and accessibility, supporting the company’s broader ambition of democratising nutrition.

As Indian consumers become increasingly conscious of nutrition, PepsiCo India is looking to bridge the gap between aspiration and accessibility with the launch of Quaker Protein Ladooz and Chikki Bites, two products aimed at making protein and fibre more affordable and convenient for everyday consumption.

The launch stems from findings in the company’s State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India study, conducted in partnership with Euromonitor International. The research found that while consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of protein in their diets, many continue to face barriers related to affordability and convenience. Notably, 89% of respondents expressed a preference for consuming protein in familiar, everyday food formats rather than specialised nutrition products.

Responding to that insight, PepsiCo India has reimagined two traditional Indian snacks, ladoos and chikki, through the Quaker brand. The newly introduced Quaker Protein Ladooz and Chikki Bites are made with real oats and contain 12% protein along with high fibre content. Priced at ₹10, the products are positioned as accessible options for consumers seeking more nutritious snacking choices without significantly increasing their daily food expenditure.

Company executives describe the launch as an example of consumer-centric innovation, where product development begins with understanding local food habits, nutritional needs and the practical challenges consumers face. Rather than introducing entirely new eating occasions, the strategy focuses on enhancing foods that are already well recognised and widely enjoyed across India.

The move reflects a broader shift within the food and beverage industry towards “better-for-you” products that balance taste with nutrition. While awareness of healthy eating continues to grow, industry observers note that nutritional products often struggle to achieve mass adoption because they can be expensive, unfamiliar or perceived as less enjoyable than traditional snacks.

PepsiCo India believes its latest offering addresses those concerns by combining familiar flavours with improved nutritional credentials. The company is emphasising that consumers no longer need to choose between good taste and better nutrition, positioning the products as part of a practical approach to everyday wellness.

The launch also represents a significant milestone for the teams involved in product development, research and commercialisation. Company leaders have highlighted the collaborative effort behind bringing the products to market, describing it as another important step in strengthening PepsiCo India’s growing Better for You portfolio.

As competition intensifies in India’s health-focused snacking segment, affordability is emerging as a key differentiator. By introducing protein- and fibre-rich products at an entry-level price point, PepsiCo India is aiming to expand access to improved nutrition beyond a niche consumer base.

For the company, the launch is about more than introducing two new snacks. It is part of a longer-term ambition to democratise nutrition, ensuring that healthier food choices are not limited to premium categories but are available in formats and price points that fit seamlessly into everyday Indian life.