Does Frito-Lay Hire Felons?

You’ve served your time. Maybe you’ve completed rehab, finished your probation, or are simply trying to turn the page on a rough chapter. Now you’re looking for honest work.

The federal agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws, employers can consider criminal records during hiring, but they must ensure their policies do not disproportionately affect applicants based on race or national origin. The EEOC encourages businesses to adopt individualized assessments and avoid blanket bans on hiring individuals with criminal histories.

Frito-Lay, one of the largest snack companies in the world, may seem like a great place to start over. But here’s the million-dollar question: Does Frito-Lay hire felons in 2025?

Who is Frito-Lay?

Frito-Lay is a subsidiary of PepsiCo, responsible for some of your favorite snacks like:

• Lays Potato Chips
• Doritos
• Cheetos
• Ruffles
• Fritos
• Tostitos

The company employs over 50,000 people across North America, with manufacturing plants, warehouses, and delivery routes in nearly every state.

With that size and scale, there’s naturally a wide range of job opportunities—from warehouse packers to machine operators, CDL drivers, and sales reps.

Does Frito-Lay Hire Felons?

Yes, Frito-Lay has hired individuals with felony convictions, but hiring depends on several factors—including the type of felony, time since conviction, job role, and state laws.

What Determines Whether a Felon Gets Hired at Frito-Lay?

1. Nature of the Felony

Some convictions are more likely to raise red flags than others. For example:

• Violent felonies (e.g. assault, armed robbery) may disqualify applicants for driver or field roles.
• Sex offenses may automatically disqualify someone due to workplace safety.
• Theft-related offenses could be problematic in jobs handling company inventory or cash.

However, non-violent felonies like drug possession, DUIs (if applying for non-driving roles), or older convictions may be considered more leniently.

2. How Long Ago Was the Conviction?

Applicants with felonies that occurred over 7 years ago often have a better chance. Some states even have “Ban the Box” laws which prohibit asking about criminal history until later in the hiring process.

For instance:

• In California, New York, and Illinois, employers like Frito-Lay must delay background checks until a conditional offer is made.
• In Texas or Georgia, background checks may happen earlier.

3. Rehabilitation and Work History

If you’ve:

• Completed probation or parole
• Attended rehab or educational programs
• Held consistent employment after your conviction

…your chances go way up.

Adding professional references, certificates (like forklift training, CDL licenses, etc.), or even a letter of recommendation from a parole officer can help.

4. State-Specific Hiring Laws

Different states have their own rules. In 2025:

• 29 states and over 150 cities/counties have adopted Ban the Box legislation.
• Federal guidance still allows companies like Frito-Lay to use background checks, but they must justify denials based on job relevance.

Check your state’s laws via the National Employment Law Project (NELP): https://www.nelp.org

Does Frito-Lay Do Background Checks?

Yes. According to numerous applicant reports and Frito-Lay job listings:

• All candidates must pass a background check.
• The check typically goes back 7–10 years, depending on state regulations.
• Some facilities drug test applicants (especially for warehouse and driving jobs).
• The company may also verify prior employment and education.

What Former Felon Applicants Say About Frito-Lay?

We checked anonymous reviews and testimonials from felons who applied or worked at Frito-Lay via:

• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Reddit’s r/JobsForFelons
• Jobcase.com

Here’s what they shared:

✅ Positive Reports:

• “I was upfront about my 8-year-old drug conviction. They hired me for warehouse work in Dallas.”
• “They gave me a chance even with a non-violent theft felony from 10 years ago.”

❌ Negative Reports:

• “I got denied after background check showed a felony from 2019.”
• “My assault charge from 6 years ago seemed to be a dealbreaker.”

Honesty matters. Applicants who disclosed their history and showed steps toward change had better luck.

What Jobs at Frito-Lay Are Felon-Friendly?

You may have better chances applying for:

• Warehouse Material Handlers
• Packers / General Labor
• Maintenance Technicians
• Janitorial or Sanitation Roles

These typically require less customer interaction and have more flexible hiring guidelines.

Has Frito-Lay hired felons in the past?

Yes, Frito-Lay has hired felons in the past, especially for entry-level roles like warehouse workers, packers, and machine operators. Hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the type of felony, how long ago it happened, and whether it’s relevant to the job.

Does Frito-Lay hire people with misdemeanors?

Yes, individuals with misdemeanors can get hired at Frito-Lay. Misdemeanors are generally viewed more leniently than felonies, especially if they’re non-violent or occurred several years ago. However, recent charges involving theft, violence, or workplace misconduct may affect eligibility.

Will Frito-Lay hire you with pending charges?

Frito-Lay is unlikely to hire someone with pending criminal charges, as unresolved legal issues create uncertainty for employers. Most hiring managers prefer cases to be closed or charges dropped before moving forward with employment.

Does Frito-Lay hire sex offenders?

In most cases, no. Frito-Lay rarely hires registered sex offenders due to safety policies, liability concerns, and federal or state compliance issues. While there may not be a blanket ban, such hires are extremely rare and highly dependent on the role and location.

Does Frito-Lay drug test?

Yes, Frito-Lay conducts drug tests—especially for safety-sensitive positions like warehouse, manufacturing, and driving roles. Most applicants will undergo a urine test after a conditional job offer, and testing typically includes THC (depending on state laws), opioids, amphetamines, and other controlled substances.

Tips to Improve Your Chances at Frito-Lay

1. Be Honest
   Don’t lie on your application. If your conviction comes up later, your offer could be revoked.
2. Apply at Multiple Locations
   Policies may vary by location or hiring manager.
3. Focus on Older Convictions
   If your felony is more than 7–10 years old, make sure that’s clear in your cover letter.
4. Get Certified
   Warehouse equipment certifications (forklifts, OSHA, etc.) show responsibility and initiative.
5. Build References
   Get letters from former employers, mentors, or probation officers.
6. Explain Your Story—Briefly and Professionally
   Use your cover letter to show growth:

“Since my conviction, I’ve maintained steady employment, completed a trade program, and rebuilt my life. I’m ready for a fresh start and a long-term career with your company.”

Why Frito-Lay Might Be a Good Option for Felons?

• Massive workforce = more opportunities
• Some roles don’t require customer contact
• Part of PepsiCo, a company with global diversity and inclusion goals
• Reports from real people who got hired after convictions

Final Thought

Landing a job at Frito-Lay with a felony is possible, but it takes strategy, patience, and preparation. The type of felony, time passed, and your personal growth story play a huge role.

Here’s the silver lining: Thousands of Americans with records get second chances every year. Frito-Lay might just be yours.

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