Over the past several years, consumer demand for protein-packed foods and beverages has driven brands to experiment with increasingly inventive ways to infuse this essential nutrient into their offerings. Companies in the packaged food and drink sector have relied on everything from high-protein snacks to fortified beverages to satisfy both fitness enthusiasts and everyday consumers seeking functional nutrition. Yet a distinct transformation is now unfolding within this landscape—an evolution that suggests the next major dietary focus may shift from protein to an entirely different nutrient.
During a recent earnings call, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta articulated this turning point succinctly but powerfully: he predicted that fiber will soon occupy the same exalted position protein has held in the minds of health-conscious consumers. According to Laguarta, widespread awareness is beginning to take root—people are gradually realizing that dietary fiber provides crucial health benefits that extend well beyond simple digestion. He emphasized that fiber deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional gaps in the typical American diet, underscoring a systemic need for reform in everyday food consumption patterns.
Reflecting this newfound emphasis, PepsiCo has begun strategically redesigning its product portfolio to include fiber as a key component. The company has introduced new and reformulated beverages and snacks aimed at supporting modern wellness goals. Among these innovations is a revamped version of the Propel line, now boasting a blend of electrolytes, protein, and fiber specifically formulated for individuals using GLP-1 medications—prescription treatments often associated with appetite regulation and weight management. This combination is designed to deliver both hydration and nutritional balance to a growing consumer demographic.
PepsiCo’s broader portfolio is also undergoing a fiber-focused transformation. In July, the corporation launched a prebiotic iteration of its classic cola, enhanced with three grams of fiber per serving, merging indulgence with functionality. Building on that momentum, the company disclosed that it is developing a new Starbucks Coffee + Protein range fortified with additional fiber, marrying energizing caffeine and satiating nutrients in a single offering. These advancements will extend to many of PepsiCo’s established snack and cereal brands as well, including Quaker, Sun Chips, PopCorners, and Smartfood—each receiving reformulations or fiber-enhanced variations to reflect a more holistic approach to nutrition.
Strategically, this shift aligns with PepsiCo’s objective to revitalize revenue streams amid recent periods of modest performance. As the company reported, sales momentum has slowed somewhat in recent quarters, and its share value has declined by approximately six percent since the beginning of the year. Executives hope that introducing products enriched with fiber—a nutrient increasingly identified with digestive wellness and satiety—will reinvigorate consumer enthusiasm and drive renewed growth.
This growing fixation on micronutrient balance and digestive health is not occurring in isolation. The surge in popularity of GLP-1-based weight-loss treatments, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, has accelerated public awareness of how nutrients like fiber and protein can mitigate their side effects. Medical experts, including those at the Cleveland Clinic, note that these medications can occasionally cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and constipation. Adequate fiber and protein intake, however, can help alleviate such symptoms by supporting both regularity and metabolic stability.
From a health perspective, the value of dietary fiber extends even further. Consuming recommended fiber levels not only aids the digestive process but is also positively linked to long-term benefits such as a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. This scientific consensus strengthens the argument that prioritizing fiber-rich foods is not merely a trend, but an essential component of preventive wellness and overall vitality.
British nutrition scientist Tim Spector, in an earlier conversation with Business Insider, highlighted that while most people in developed nations generally consume sufficient protein, the majority fail to meet their daily fiber requirements. He advocates for a conscious reevaluation of eating habits to correct this imbalance. As Spector eloquently put it, every meal offers an opportunity to make a meaningful choice for better health—an occasion to swap nutrient-poor options for foods that collectively foster longevity and well-being.
Spector specifically recommends adopting a predominantly plant-based diet as one of the most effective approaches to achieving this harmony between protein and fiber intake. Plant-derived foods, such as chickpeas, lentils, and whole grains, naturally provide a beneficial synergy of these nutrients. To illustrate this balance through concrete data, a standard 100-gram serving of canned chickpeas contains approximately eight grams of protein along with seven grams of dietary fiber. In contrast, 100 grams of chicken—although higher in protein at roughly twenty-two grams—contains no fiber whatsoever, according to USDA data. This comparison clearly underscores the broader nutritional completeness of plant-based sources and offers a compelling rationale for diversifying one’s diet.
In essence, the movement now emerging within the food and beverage industry represents more than a fleeting marketing impulse; it reflects a deeper shift in consumer consciousness and corporate strategy alike. As global health priorities evolve and individuals become increasingly proactive in managing their nutrition, fiber appears poised to succeed protein as the next major dietary frontier—a development that combines scientific insight, consumer demand, and industry innovation in a single, transformative trajectory.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/pepsico-ceo-says-fiber-will-be-the-next-protein-2025-10
