PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America business unit announced the introduction of two new Lightly Salted varieties of chips. Fritos Lightly Salted corn chips and Ruffles Lightly Salted potato chips join Lay's Lightly Salted potato chips, which were launched in 2000 in select markets but expanded to national distribution beginning in 2010. With at least 50 percent less sodium per one ounce serving than their original counterparts, Lightly Salted varieties provide consumers concerned about sodium with lower sodium options.
In general, Frito-Lay snack chips are moderate in sodium. For instance, Lay's Classic potato chips contain 180 mg per one ounce serving-about 15 chips-which is comparable to a slice of bread. (See below for comparison chart of sodium content to common foods and snacks).
Leading Frito-Lay Average Serving of Common Average Serving of Common
Products Foods(2) Snacks(2)
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Ruffles Potato White bread Graham crackers
Chips (160 mg/oz) (170 mg/slice) (169 mg/2 sheets)
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Fritos Corn Chips Angel food cake Wheat crackers
(160 mg/oz) (210 mg/piece) (285 mg/serving)
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Lay's Classic Ready-to-eat corn Microwave popcorn,
Potato Chips flakes cereal 94% fat free
(180 mg/oz) (202 mg/cup) (207mg/3 cups)