For the past six years, grocery prices have steadily climbed. Factors like the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and tariffs have pushed costs higher—and, quite frankly, Americans are tired of it. Now, some companies are trying a new strategy to win back waning consumer interest: slashing prices.
PepsiCo, the maker of beloved brands like Lay’s, Tostitos, Doritos, Fritos, and more (all of which offer accidentally vegan snacks), has committed to cutting prices by nearly 15 percent.
“We’ve spent the past year listening closely to consumers, and they’ve told us they’re feeling the strain,” says Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods US. “Lowering the suggested retail price reflects our commitment to help reduce the pressure where we can. Because people shouldn’t have to choose between great taste and staying within their budget.”
PepsiCo isn’t alone. General Mills, another producer of accidentally vegan snack favorites like Bugles and Larabar, reduced prices last year by nearly two-thirds.
“Lowering prices is one step—an important one—in our commitment to deliver for consumers and strengthen our brands for the future,” Ferdinando added. “We’ll continue listening, learning, and taking action to keep consumers at the center of everything we do.”
In addition to cutting prices, the snack giant is refining recipes and removing artificial colors and flavors to better align with shifting consumer preferences driven by concerns about ultra-processed foods and artificial ingredients.
Tostitos
Choosing more plant-based foods could save you money
But while major food companies debate pricing strategies, research suggests consumers may already have a powerful way to cut grocery costs: shifting toward plant-based staples.
Even as grocery prices continue to rise, several studies have spotlighted the affordability of plant-based foods. According to a recent survey from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and Morning Consult, more than 60 percent of American adults believe eating plant-based food is more expensive than consuming meat and dairy. The data, however, suggests otherwise.
In 2024, PCRM research found that a low-fat plant-based diet costs about $1.80 less per day than the Standard American Diet. That adds up to more than $650 in annual savings.
“Meals built around whole or minimally processed plant foods—like beans, grains, tofu, and vegetables—are often far more affordable than meals centered on animal products like meat and dairy,” Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with PCRM, said in a statement. “Centering a plant-based diet on whole, minimally processed foods is one of the most effective ways to not only nourish your body, but also cut grocery costs.”
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
