Doritios Logo
The Doritos brand is owned by PepsiCo. 

PLANO, TEXAS — After public backlash, PepsiCo, Inc., maker of Doritos brand chips, has confirmed that it is not developing chips targeted at women. Speculation about the product’s development quickly gained traction on Feb. 5 when media outlets reported on comments made by Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo’s chief executive officer and chairman, onFreakonomics Radio

Pepsi CEO
Indra Nooyi, chairman and c.e.o. of PepsiCo
In the interview, Ms. Nooyi was asked about the differences in snacking between men and women. She noted that men like to lick their fingers and eat broken pieces while women, even though they would like to do the same, do not.  


“It’s not a male and female as much as ‘are there snacks for women that can be designed and packaged differently,’” she continued. “And yes, we are looking at it, and we’re getting ready to launch a bunch of them soon. For women, low-crunch, the full taste profile, not have so much of the flavor stick on the fingers, and how can you put it in a purse? Because women love to carry a snack in their purse.”

Sending the internet into a frenzy, many consumers voiced their opinions through social media and denounced the product. 

Within hours, a representative from PepsiCo released a statement toAdAge saying the statement was inaccurate.

“We already have Doritos for women–they’re called Doritos, and they’re enjoyed by millions of people every day,” a spokesperson toldAdAge. “At the same time, we know needs and preferences continue to evolve and we're always looking for new ways to engage and delight our consumers.”

The controversy comes directly after a Doritos ad campaign that ran during the Super Bowl. It is yet to be seen if the comments will affect the brand’s bottom line.