If you’re trying to get more protein in your diet, PepsiCo Foods has a snack for you. Doritos Protein hits shelves next month with 10 grams of protein per one ounce serving—soon to be 17 grams of protein per single-serve bag later this year.

The new product aims to offer high protein while maintaining the “tasty, bold flavor and iconic crunch” that has defined Doritos for generations, said Plano-based PepsiCo Foods U.S.

“The launch of Doritos Protein marks our strategic expansion into the protein snack category,” Hernán Tantardini, chief marketing officer of PepsiCo Foods U.S., said in a statement. “We’re elevating the bold flavor and signature snacking experience consumers expect by using novel flavor and seasoning methods.” 

New twist on an old favorite

Created for fans of Doritos who want more out of their snack, Doritos Protein is leveling-up with the benefit of added protein, plus no artificial colors or flavors.

“This innovation underscores PepsiCo Foods’ commitment to evolving its portfolio to meet shifting consumer preferences toward foods with functional ingredients,” Tardini said. “70% of consumers want their salty snacks to have protein—and now we’re making it more accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday snacking occasions without compromising the distinctive Doritos experience.”

The new snack launches with two flavors: Doritos Protein Nacho Cheese and Doritos Protein Sweet & Tangy BBQ.

Consumers want ‘functional’ snacking

Doritos Protein marks a significant milestone for the classic and beloved brand, offering protein in a familiar, flavorful, and accessible way, the company said.

They’re calling it “a new product platform that addresses topical consumer trends” in snacking:

The company cited data showing that 86% of Americans are actively adding protein to their diet; 70% of consumers want salty snacks to have protein; and over 50% of consumers prioritize protein during snacking occasions

Even more protein-enhanced options

As consumers increasingly seek functional ingredients in their everyday snacks and beverages, PepsiCo said it’s leveraging its brand portfolio to head up the new protein-focused snack transformation.

Doritos Protein joins recent launches including SmartFood Fiber Pop coated popcorn, SunChips Fiber whole grain and black bean snacks, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, poppi Prebiotic Soda, Quaker Protein Granola Bars, and Quaker Protein Old Fashioned Oats, demonstrating a commitment to giving consumers the foods and beverages they love, “enhanced with the functional ingredients they seek,” the company said.

“Doritos is synonymous with bold flavor and iconic crunch—two attributes that our fans know and love. 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,” said Jess Spaulding, VP of marketing at PepsiCo Foods U.S.

“As consumer desires shift,” she added, “we’re showing that Doritos is a brand that can evolve and expand with those desires, offering consumers the best of both worlds—delicious taste, as well as new functional ingredients.” 

Additional details on Doritos Protein

Available starting next month in select retailers and markets, Doritos Protein is made with dairy-based protein (casein) as its protein source (and the first ingredient listed)—a complete dairy protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It contains no artificial colors or flavors, the company added, while delivering the Doritos flavor and crunch consumers expect.

Doritos Protein will come in two sizes initially: 7oz. for SRP $4.89 and 12.75oz for SRP $7.39. Additional sizes, including the single-serve size option with 17 grams of protein per bag, are planned for later this year.

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