PepsiCo is introducing another protein-centric product to its range with the launch of Good Warrior meat snacks.
“Consumers are hungry for protein options,” PepsiCo announced as it rolls out the debut product Good Warrior Beef Sticks in US retailers this month.
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While the GLP-1 trend was not mentioned in a statement as the main rationale for the launch, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta has emphasised the company’s intent to embrace the protein movement, which along with fibre-focused products are becoming key components of innovation strategies.
People on the weight-loss drugs are reportedly increasing consumption of protein- and fibre-rich foods to satisfy their satiety while on the medications, which have become more convenient with the introduction of a pill variant.
PepsiCo cited a January survey conducted on its behalf by RepData, which found “86% of Americans are looking to add more protein to their diets”.
Good Warrior Beef Sticks are made with grass-fed beef and provide ten grams of protein but with zero sugar. Each snack has 100 calories and they are gluten-free with no artificial colourings, which is an area promoted under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign.
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By GlobalDataThey are available in two varieties – Original and Jalapeño Pepper – with others set to follow later this year.
Tina Mahal, the senior vice president for marketing at PepsiCo’s food division in the US, said: “Our goal was simple: make protein snacks people want to eat for busy humans who need something fast. Good Warrior brings bold flavour, functionality of protein, and the convenience today’s consumers expect.”
In February, PepsiCo teamed up with Link Snacks to launch a Jack Link’s Doritos Nacho Cheese flavoured beef jerky and meat sticks in what Mahal said at the time was a “new protein-forward format”.
CEO Laguarta discussed the opportunities behind the GLP-1 trend in February alongside the release of PepsiCo’s 2025 results, highlighting the call for protein, fibre and hydration products.
“I think there are more opportunities than threats but there are both,” he told analysts.
“Fibre, we know those consumers are looking for fibre. They have some digestive problems. We are innovating around fibre, whole grains. That’s a big space,” he said.
“We’re relaunching Quaker. Quaker will put emphasis on that space but, not only that, SunChips and some of our food products as well. Protein, obviously, that’s an area where we’ve been innovating for some time and we’ll continue to do it.”
Laguarta added: “So, multiple vectors of transformation that we’ll be sequencing with a sense of urgency. We did last year. We continue to do this year. But I think this could turn into an opportunity for us and that’s how we’re approaching it in the US but not only the US. This is going to be an opportunity for us in multiple markets.”
