New Delhi: Multinational snack manufacturer PepsiCo India has started trials to replace palm oil with a combination of sunflower oil and palmolein in its popular Lay’s chips, to sell its comparatively healthier version for Indian consumers.

A PepsiCo India spokesperson told Indian Express, “PepsiCo is dedicated to producing high-quality, great-tasting products in every market where we operate. There are often different recipes for foods or drinks in different countries, which is attributed to several factors such as local preferences, manufacturing capabilities, ingredient availability and market dynamics.

“Ingredients are listed on every product we sell in India, allowing consumers to make conscious decisions about their purchases. In this context, PepsiCo India initiated trials of a blend of sunflower oil and palmolein oil in certain parts of our portfolio last year, becoming one of the few players in the food industry in India to do so.”

The largest manufacturer of beverages and snacks in the US uses ‘heart-healthy’ oils like sunflower, corn, and canola oil in that country.

However, this initiative by the company makes it one of the first top food companies in India to take a step in favour of consumer health.

Meanwhile, social media health influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as “Food Pharmer”, described PepsiCo’s trials to use healthier oil substitutes for palm oil in Lays’ chips a "big win" for India.

Palm oil is the most preferred choice for makers of snacks like chips, biscuits and other similar food items and is considered detrimental to heart health if consumed regularly and in large quantities.

“Big win! Lay's India to reduce palm oil usage! Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil! After a lot of public pressure, Lays India has set a public statement that they have begun the process to replace palm oil in their Lays!” Himatsingka said in a post on social media platform X.

However, a spokesperson of the PepsiCo India told Moneycontrol that the trials for new oil blends’ use in its food products had been launched in 2023. "PepsiCo India initiated trials of a blend of Sunflower Oil and Palmolein Oil in certain parts of our portfolio last year, becoming one of the few players in the food industry in India to do so."