
Doritos and Cheetos are getting a makeover.
PepsiCo said Thursday it’s launching toned-down versions of its bright orange snacks that won't have any artificial colors or flavors. Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD will hit store shelves on Dec. 1.
It’s part of a broader shift underway at PepsiCo, which announced in April that it would accelerate a planned transition to using natural colors in its foods and beverages. Around 40% of its U.S. products now contain synthetic dyes, according to the company.
Dye-free doesn’t mean Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD will be colorless. Instead, they’re just a lighter color, like a tortilla chip.
Many other big food companies, including Kraft Heinz and General Mills, have made similar pledges. They're feeling pressure from federal regulators and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who are urging companies to eliminate synthetic food dyes by next year.
States have also been taking action. Texas recently passed a law requiring warning labels for foods that contain artificial ingredients. Other states are moving to ban or restrict synthetic dyes.
PepsiCo has sold Simply brand Doritos and Cheetos without artificial dyes since 2002. But those products aren’t designed to taste like the original chips.
The Simply NKD versions are supposed to taste like the originals. But unlike the originals, they don’t contain petroleum-based dyes. They also have shorter ingredient lists.
For example, Simply NKD Doritos and Simply NKD Cheetos don’t contain the flavor-enhancing additives disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, which are found in the original versions.
“We’re turning expectations upside down — removing artificial colors, not the flavor — and proving that unforgettable taste can be colorless,” said Rachel Ferdinando, the CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement.
PepsiCo said the Simply NKD line will include flavors like Cool Ranch Doritos and Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The chips will cost the same as original varieties.
The company said original Doritos and Cheetos will also remain on the market.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Father and son spending Christmas together after health scares - 2
6 Useful Home Espresso Machines - 3
Watch SpaceX launch powerful ocean-mapping satellite for Europe and NASA early Nov. 17 - 4
UN chief calls on Yemen's Houthi rebels to free all UN detainees - 5
6 Novice Cameras for 2024: Ideal for New Picture takers
Figure out How to Put resources into Lab Precious stones
Jesse Jackson hospitalized, under observation for a neurodegenerative condition
Scientists document a death from a meat allergy tied to certain ticks
Change Your Physical make-up: Compelling Activities for Muscle Building
Bruno Mars tour 2026: How to get tickets for 'The Romantic Tour,' presale times, prices and more
Manual for Tracking down the Immaculate Magnificence of Focal Asia
Holiday weather forecast: Where travelers can expect a wintry mix, flooding and record warmth across the U.S.
Vote In favor of Your Favored Keeping an eye on
Takeda's AI-crafted psoriasis pill succeeds in late-stage studies












