Food and beverageNewsProcess industries

Walkers caters for smart snackers with non-HFSS, low calorie multipacks

Walkers is helping retailers cater to the increasing demand for smarter snacking options with the launch of a new, three strong multipack range from Wotsits and Monster Munch.

The launch forms part of a multi-brand platform named ‘Yummy With’. Made with chickpea to offer a source of fibre, these snacks are non-HFSS, contain 25% less salt than the average extruded product and are under 100 calories per packet. Wotsits Crispy Bacon and Wotsits Cheese Toastie both contain 57 calories per pack, and the Monster Munch BBQ Sauce contains 76 calories per pack.

Available across the grocery, wholesale and convenience channels, the Walkers ‘Yummy With’ range features Wotsits Cheese Toastie, Wotsits Crispy Bacon and Monster Munch BBQ Sauce. The Monster Munch BBQ Sauce SKU will be available in multipacks of 6x16g, while the Wotsits Cheese Toastie and Wotsits Crispy Bacon SKUs will be available in multipacks of 6x12g, all with an RRP of £2. The launch will be supported as part of a wider Walkers Snacks eight-week, multi-million marketing campaign across TV, social, digital, consumer PR, and shopper activations.

According to Walkers, nearly half of UK households (49.7%) have bought Walkers Snacks in the past year and iconic brands such as Wotsits and Monster Munch have shown impressive growth, with a 7% increase in value and a 7.3% rise in volume compared to last year. The success of Walkers’ existing product lines, along with the trust and recognition associated with the brand, provides the perfect foundation to introduce the ‘Yummy With’ range.

Phoebe Chapman, senior brand manager, Walkers Snacks notes the recognition that consumers are on the hunt for smarter snacking options, but that they aren’t willing to compromise on taste, with taste remaining the top reason shoppers choose crisps and snacks.

“Over several years, we’ve meticulously crafted the range to perfect the formulation, aligning with the beloved light and airy texture that consumers adore,” Chapman says. “Our ‘Yummy With’ range is perfect for retailers looking to tap into this opportunity, to boost their offering and maximise sales.

“What’s more, through being non-HFSS, the range can be displayed on gondola ends, as well as front of store, unlocking additional opportunities for retailers to merchandise and offer shoppers an increased variety of flavours.”

This range supports Walkers’ goal for 50% of snack sales to be from products that are non-HFSS or sold in portions of 100 calories or less by 2025, aligned with PepsiCo’s health and sustainability plan, PepsiCo Positive (pep+).

Related content