Everyone knows PepsiCo, but did you know that PepsiCo owns a few dozen iconic brands? But did you know that it also has its hand in some pretty unexpected businesses?
So, if you were wondering, What Does PepsiCo Own? Here are some surprising answers! (Hint: One of them is a dip company.)
The History Of PepsiCo
PepsiCo was founded in 1965 when Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay merged. Since then, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with over $67 billion in annual revenue.
PepsiCo’s products are sold in over 200 countries, and its brands are enjoyed by billions of people each day. The company’s mission is “to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages.”
What Does PepsiCo Own? – Iconic Brands
PepsiCo owns a portfolio of over 20 brands, including some of the world’s most popular snacks. Here are 13 companies you may be surprised to learn they own.
1
Tropicana
Tropicana is a fruit company that was founded in 1947. This well-known brand was acquired by PepsiCo in 1998 for $3.3 billion. Making it one of the largest ever acquisitions by a food and beverage company at the time. Today, Tropicana is worth an estimated $4 billion.
Tropicana is best known for its orange juice, but it also sells a variety of other juices, teas, and water.
2
Gatorade
Gatorade is a sports drink created in 1965 by a team of researchers at the University of Florida. The original purpose of the drink was to help athletes replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
Since then, Gatorade has become one of the most popular sports drinks on the market, and it is now available in a variety of flavors. In 2001, Gatorade was acquired by PepsiCo for $3.2 billion. Today, Gatorade remains one of PepsiCo’s most profitable brands, and it is estimated to be worth approximately $16 billion.
3
Quaker Oats
The Quaker Oats Company was founded in 1877 by Henry Parsons Crowell. Crowell purchased the patent for rolled oats from George H. Hoyt. Today, they are owned by PepsiCo and are worth an estimated $10 billion.
Quaker Oats offers a variety of cereals, including oatmeal, granola, and rice cakes. The company also produces a line of breakfast bars and oatmeal cups. The brand has long been associated with healthy eating and fitness. In recent years, the company has capitalized on this reputation by launching a line of “superfoods” products, such as quinoa and chia seeds.
A huge controversy in the company…
Despite its healthy image, Quaker Oats has been embroiled in several lawsuits in recent years. In 2015, the company was sued for false advertising after it was revealed that its “100% Natural” oats were contaminated with glyphosate.
In 2019, it was again sued for false advertising after it was discovered that its “All Natural” granola bars contained artificial ingredients. Given its checkered history, it remains to be seen whether Quaker Oats will continue to be a trusted name in the world of cereal.
4
Sabra
Sabra is a delicious Mediterranean dip and spreads brand. The company was founded in 1986 and eventually acquired by PepsiCo in 2008 for $325 million.
Today, Sabra is worth an estimated $1 billion. The company’s products are popular among vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. Thanks to its wide array of flavors and textures, Sabra has something for everyone. From its classic hummus to its tangy tzatziki, there’s no doubt that Sabra is a dip ‘Above the Rest!’
5
Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is a carbonated soft drink owned by PepsiCo. The original formula was invented in 1940 by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman.
The Hartman brothers sought to create a more stimulating soda than the existing options on the market. They achieved this by adding caffeine and citrus flavors to their drink. The name “Mountain Dew” was chosen as a reference to the clear mountain spring water that was used to make the beverage.
It was first only available in the Southeast!
While the drink was initially only available in the Southeast, it eventually became popular nationwide. In 1964, PepsiCo acquired the rights to Mountain Dew and began mass-producing it. Today, it is one of PepsiCo’s most popular brands, with annual sales of over $1 billion.
6
SoBe
SoBe, short for South Beach Beverage Company, is a line of flavored waters and fruit juices owned by PepsiCo. The brand was founded in 1996 and acquired by PepsiCo in 2000. Today, it is available in more than 20 countries and has an estimated annual revenue of $1 billion.
While SoBe’s exact formula remains a closely guarded secret, the brand is known for its use of natural flavors and ingredients. The beverage also boasts several health benefits, including hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool down on a sweltering day or a delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins, SoBe has something for everyone.
7
Cap’n Crunch
Cap’n Crunch is a cereal that was introduced in 1963 and has been produced by Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, since 2001. The cereal consists of oven-baked whole-grain oats that are shaped like miniature rectangular Patriots hats.
Cap’n Crunch is easily one of the most popular breakfast cereals in the United States and has been consistently ranked in the Top 10 cereals since it was first introduced. According to BrandZ, Cap’n Crunch is the 22nd most valuable food and beverage brand in the world, with a brand value of $4.4 billion.
8
Stacy’s Pita Chips
Stacy’s Pita Chips are a popular snack food made from pita bread. The chips are flavored with various spices and herbs, and they are baked rather than fried. Stacy’s Pita Chips were first introduced in 1997, and they were acquired by PepsiCo in 2006. Today, Stacy’s Pita Chips are worth an estimated $2 billion.
9
Aunt Jemima
Aunt Jemima is a pancake mix, syrup, and other breakfast foods brand owned by PepsiCo. The brand dates back to 1889, when the Aunt Jemima pancake mix was first introduced. The name and image were based on a minstrelsy song, “Old Aunt Jemima.”
In recent years, there have been racial issues with the brand, specifically with the image. In 2020, Quaker Oats announced that they would be changing the name and image to the Pearl Milling Company. Despite the recent controversy, it is still a popular brand worth an estimated $1 billion.
10
Naked Juice
Naked Juice is a healthy brand of fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, and shots that was founded in 1983 and is currently owned by PepsiCo. The company claims that its products are “100% juice, no sugar added, and non-GMO.”
Naked Juice was acquired by PepsiCo in 2007. As of 2016, it is estimated to be worth $1 billion. While the brand has come under fire in recent years for its use of artificial ingredients and high sugar content, it remains a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking for a convenient way to get their daily dose of fruits and vegetables.
11
Rice-A-Roni
If you ask anyone over the age of 40 to name their favorite comfort food, there’s a good chance they’ll say Rice-A-Roni. This San Francisco treat was born in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity for its simple, flavorful taste.
It is made by cooking rice and pasta together in a seasoning packet, which can be bought at most grocery stores. It was sold to Quaker Oats (who are owned by PepsiCo) for $275 million in 1986. Today, Rice-A-Roni is still a popular choice for quick and easy meals, and it remains one of the most iconic comfort foods of all time.
12
Starbucks Bottled Coffee
You probably know that Starbucks is the go-to place for overpriced coffee. But what you might not know is that they also sell bottled coffee… and it’s actually not bad!
Originally introduced in 1994, Starbucks Bottled Coffee was launched as part of a joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some java on the go, reach for a bottled coffee instead of your usual energy drink. Who knows? You might just be pleasantly surprised.
13
Cheetos
Cheetos is a brand of cheese-flavored corn chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The Cheetos brand began in 1948 as a regional product in the United States. They were first sold nationally in the US in 1964. Then, in 1965, Fritos creator Charles Elmer Doolin and his son, John Doolin, purchased the Cheetos business from The Frito Company.
PepsiCo acquired Frito-Lay, and thus the Cheetos brand, in 1965. It is one of the most popular brands of chips and snacks in the United States, with an estimated annual revenue of $4 billion. In 2016, Forbes ranked Cheetos as the seventh most valuable food brand in the world, with a value of $12.4 billion.
Read more: Are Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Discontinued?
Curious About More Companies?
Not a problem! We’ve covered an extensive number of possibilities starting with TV and media, such as Who Owns Hulu and Who Owns Netflix, as well as Who Owns Dreamworks, and if you’re a news buff, Who Owns Newsmax, Who Owns ESPN, and Who Owns Fox News?
These days it’s all about your mobile apps, so check out Who Owns Twitter, or perhaps, Who Owns Snapchat, along with Who Owns Zillow, Who Owns Zelle, and, Who Owns Cash App in 2023.
Lastly, let’s take a look at a few very well-known companies, such as Who Owns Mint Mobile, Who Owns Hershey, and Who Owns Dr. Pepper, moving on to Who Owns Popeyes, Who Owns Dave and Busters, and for the car enthusiasts, Who Owns Subaru, and Who Owns Volvo?
What Does PepsiCo Own? – Final Thoughts
It is pretty clear that if you are in the market for a snack or beverage, chances are good that PepsiCo has got you covered.
The next time you are standing in front of the vending machine at work or perusing the drink choices at your local restaurant, take a moment to appreciate all of the delicious options that PepsiCo has to offer. And who knows, maybe your new favorite drink is just waiting to be discovered!
Now, you know the extensive list of brands Pepsico owns!
