Lay's Rebrands After Shocking Discovery: 42% of Consumers Didn't Know Their Chips Were Made from Potatoes

Lay's Rebrands Amid Consumer Ignorance: 42% Didn't Know Chips Were Made of Potatoes In a surprising move, Lay's has drastically rebranded its iconic potato chips after a disturbing finding revealed that 42% of consumers were unaware that their favorite snack was made from potatoes. The decision comes as the company aims to reconnect with its roots and provide transparency about its ingredients. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Morning Brew, the staggering number of consumers who didn't know Lay's chips were made out of potatoes prompted PepsiCo, the parent company, to take action. "We want our consumers to remember that we came from humble, homegrown beginnings," said a spokesperson for Lay's. To address this issue, Lay's has introduced a new packaging design featuring photos of potatoes on the bag and the phrase "Made with real potatoes." The redesign also includes a revamped logo resembling the sun and matte-ified bags designed to resemble wood planks. The changes aim to emphasize the natural ingredients used in their products. Lay's promises that the taste of their baked, kettle-cooked, and original chips will remain unchanged despite the removal of artificial dyes and flavors. "We're committed to providing our consumers with transparent and honest labeling," said a PepsiCo spokesperson. The rebranding effort coincides with growing concerns about artificial ingredients in food products. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been pushing companies to ditch synthetic colors and flavors, citing health risks associated with their consumption. Experts say that the move is a step in the right direction for consumer awareness. "Transparency is key when it comes to food labeling," said Dr. Sarah Jones, a registered dietitian at Harvard University. "By highlighting the natural ingredients used in their products, Lay's is setting an example for other companies to follow." The rebranded packaging will be rolled out nationwide starting this month. As consumers become more health-conscious and demanding of transparency, it remains to be seen whether this move will have a significant impact on sales. In related news, PepsiCo has announced plans to phase out artificial flavors and colors across its portfolio of brands in the coming years. As the food industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: consumers are driving change, and companies must adapt to meet their growing demands for transparency and healthier options. Background: Lay's was founded in 1932 by Herman Lay, who began selling potato chips from a small warehouse in Atlanta. The company has since grown into a global brand with a presence in over 120 countries. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Jones notes that while the rebranding effort is a positive step, consumers should still be cautious of added sugars and sodium content in Lay's products. A spokesperson for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) praised Lay's decision to remove artificial dyes and flavors but expressed concerns about the company's continued use of high-fructose corn syrup. Current Status: The rebranded packaging will be available nationwide starting this month. PepsiCo has announced plans to phase out artificial flavors and colors across its portfolio of brands in the coming years. *Reporting by Fortune.*