It turns out New Zealand's beloved Bluebird chips are changing up their recipe

Some of New Zealand's favourite snacks is set to change, with Bluebird manufacturer PepsiCo announcing it's changing the cooking oil used in all its major brands.

Bluebird is switching to canola oil, with the promise that will mean a lot less saturated fat in treats like Bluebird Original Cut potato chips, Rashuns, Twisties and Burger Rings.

The amount of saturated fat will drop by as much as 85 per cent in some brands, with the company saying it wants to cut down on fat, sodium, and sugars.

PepsiCo New Zealand general manager Ali Hamza said it was a significant milestone for the company.

"We're proud to be rolling out this change in New Zealand to many of our great snack brands like Bluebird and Doritos. Consumer needs and preferences are changing, and Kiwis are more concerned about their health and wellness than ever before."

The switch will mean more than 90 per cent of PepsiCo's snack portfolio meets its 2025 global goal to reduce saturated fat to 1.1 grams per 100 calories.

"The team has been making several changes to our portfolio, products and packaging to ensure we can meet our consumers' needs," Hamza says.

"We are committed to reformulating our products without compromising on taste! We also want to make it easier for consumers to make informed choices for themselves and their families."

He says the company have been working to give consumers healthier options and meet high food quality and safety standards, including rolling out a health star rating on its Bluebird snack brand packaging.

The new recipe chips will start reaching shelves in mid-December, with corn-based products arriving next February.

This article was first published on the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.