YouTube video by Cynthia Basinet

For our twentieth episode, we’re popping the top on a legend. This is a company that was born as an underdog, survived bankruptcy twice, and then took the fight to the most famous brand on Earth in a battle that would define modern marketing. This company is so much more than just a cola... [pause] it's a global empire of snacks and drinks that fills our pantries and fuels our moments of fun. We are talking about the one and only... PepsiCo. When you hear the name PepsiCo ($PEP), you probably think of the classic cola rivalry. But the real story behind this consumer goods giant isn't in the beverage aisle; it's in the snack aisle. PepsiCo is the undisputed king of salty snacks, powered by the incredibly dominant and profitable Frito-Lay division, which sells iconic brands like Doritos, Lay's, and Cheetos. This snack empire, combined with a massive beverage portfolio including Gatorade and Mountain Dew, makes PepsiCo a true consumer staples powerhouse. But in an era where consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, how does a company built on soda and chips continue to thrive? With the stock recognized as a blue-chip dividend king, its defensive qualities often come with a premium valuation. Can PepsiCo's brand power and innovation overcome the long-term headwinds of changing consumer tastes? We're opening the bag and popping the top on PepsiCo's business to determine if this defensive stalwart still has the fizz and flavor for a modern investment portfolio.

It’s out with the neon and in with the natural. Frito-Lay has introduced Simply NKD Cheetos and Doritos, its first major snack reformulations free from artificial flavors and dyes. The “NKD,” short fo...