Chris Kempczinski, President and CEO of McDonald’s, usually, at the beginning of each year, makes his predictions regarding the trends that will mark that year. For 2025 he cited protein as the first of them, and time has proven him right as more brands, like Pascual with Dinamic Protein, for example, have launched products, or entire ranges, focused around this element on the market. And now Doritos or Gallo are added to them.

Doritos Protein

PepsiCo has announced the launch in March of Doritos Protein, a new variety of the popular snack that, according to the company, will have 10 grams of protein per 28-gram serving. And later this year it will also launch a version with 17 grams of protein per bag. The option will be presented in two flavors: the classic Nacho Cheese, with cheese seasoning; and Sweet & Tangy BBQ, in which the traditional barbecue flavor is mixed with sweet and sour touches.

Both varieties seek to satisfy consumer demands and capitalize on the trend around protein consumption in the snack category. According to company data, 86% of Americans actively incorporate protein into their daily diet; and 70% look for salty snacks to contain protein. In addition, protein is a key factor in the purchasing decision when choosing snacks.

“This new product represents a strategic expansion of the brand into the growing protein snack category, maintaining the intense flavor and crunchy texture that has defined Doritos for generations.“, they explain from Pepsi. “Doritos Protein elevates the snacking experience with the benefit of added protein, plus no artificial colors or flavors”.

The launch of Doritos Protein adds to a series of PepsiCo innovations around functional ingredients, both in food and beverages. Over the last few months it has opted for fiber in Smartfood popcorn or SunChips snacks; for probiotics with Pepsi or Poppi; and for protein with Quacker granola bars.

As Doritos points out, the protein will not compromise the flavor or texture of the product, two attributes that they claim are adored by fans. “When we set out to create this product, we wanted to make sure we offered that unmistakable snacking experience, but in an innovative way and with the added benefit of protein.“explained Jess Spaulding, Vice President of Marketing for PepsiCo Foods United States.”We show that Doritos is a brand that can evolve and expand with consumers”.

The pasta with the most protein from Gallo

Grupo Gallo is also betting on protein with its new Gallo +Proteína pasta, which will provide 17 grams of vegetable protein per 100 grams, which is 40% more than classic pasta and approximately three times more protein than an egg, according to the company explained in a statement. It ensures that the product is made with natural and locally sourced ingredients (95% wheat and 5% peas), without additives or preservatives, and that it maintains the usual flavor and texture of its product. It comes in pen and propeller format.

Like Doritos, Gallo assures that the launch of the new range responds to “the growing demand for practical solutions that make it possible to reinforce the nutritional density of the family diet in a simple and accessible wayHe also points out that the new product reinforces its commitment to innovation and balanced nutrition, as well as the development of healthy and functional options.

In a statement, it alludes to data from Kantar that shows a context of growing interest in foods rich in protein: one in two Spanish households purchased a product high in protein in 2024, generating a turnover of 258 million euros for the category.

The brand has presented Gallo +Proteína in an exclusive cooking workshop presented by chef and nutritionist Marta Verona, and which included the participation of the brand’s team. Attendees – mostly press – were able to cook and taste different proposals made with the new pasta in an event that combined nutritional dissemination and gastronomic experience to highlight the role of protein in daily nutrition.

“We have been listening to our consumers for 80 years and half of them have already purchased a high-protein product in the last year. What’s better than completing your diet with a healthy, natural and 100% vegetable product like pasta. And above all, delicious and easy to prepare” commented Chelo Dominguez, Marketing Director at Grupo Gallo, through LinkedIn. “We hope that the market receives it with the same enthusiasm with which we present it.”.