Why PepsiCo Lays Uses Healthier Oils Abroad and Cheaper Ones in India

The recent comparison of the chips of Lays in the United States and India has caused an outrage in the Internet, not without a reason. The viral photograph sheds light on the stark contrast of the universal snack giant, as, unlike American consumers where the product is a comparatively healthy one, Indians are offered a form of the product that is produced using less expensive and healthier alternatives.

Usually in the United States, Lays chips are fried in sunflower oil, which is heart-friendly, being low in saturated fat, and has the ability to increase HDL (good cholesterol). This oil is generally known as a superior option to cardiovascular well-being. However, its Indian version, which is called the same brand, is composed of palm oil, which is cheaper and rich in saturated fats, which are associated with heart diseases, and which has been known to raise the level of LDL (bad cholesterol).

This brings up an unpleasant question, though, why does a multinational company such as PepsiCo (the owner of Lays) have two standards applied to two markets? Why make Indian consumers who are already fighting against the increasing lifestyle diseases to consume a less healthy version of the same snack?

The companies usually prefer palm oil due to its low prices and extended shelf life. However, this comes at a price, which is, the health of the population. Frequent intake of saturated fat food may lead to obesity, cardiovascular diseases and abnormal metabolism. Such practices are not only dubious but also very irresponsible to a country, such as India, where heart disease has already been one of the major causes of mortality.

The discrepancy also indicates the absence of more stringent food laws in India. In the United States, the laws governing labels and consumer protection agencies will guarantee that food manufacturers uphold some health standards. Ensuring transparency and accountability is something that Indian regulators are usually behind in.

It is not only Lays, but a trend where multinational brands reduce the quality of their offerings to the developing market. Indian consumers have endured a torment of receiving this profit-first mentality when it comes to soft drinks that contain more sugar and packaged snacks containing harmful oils.

With increasing health awareness among Indian consumers, it is time that companies such as PepsiCo should learn not to take advantage of loopholes in the regulations but rather treat all the customers as equals. When Lays can utilize the sunflower oil with the U.S. market, it can do so with India.

Not only taste but also cost is not the case but respect towards the consumer and responsibility towards the health of the people.

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