
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
Nestlé recalls infant formula in 49 countries. See list. - 2
Former biotech CEO sued over COVID vaccine alleged insider trading - 3
Insane Realities That Will Make You Reconsider How you might interpret History - 4
More charges filed against ex-left-wing RAF member Daniela Klette - 5
A Manual for SUVs with Less Noteworthy Gas Mileage
David Duchovny's new thriller has him stripping down at 65. But its chilling premise hits close to home.
Passover under fire: Israelis balance fatigue with cautious hope after month of war
The most effective method to Guarantee Scholastic Honesty in Web-based Degrees
What we know about the Brown University shooting suspect who was found dead, and how police linked him to the MIT killing
Central African Republic's president sworn in for a third term after disputed election
Coalition led by Iraqi PM al-Sudani wins parliamentary elections
Don't fall for it: These common tourist scams in Rome are easy to avoid if you know what you're looking for
Without evidence, CDC changes messaging on vaccines and autism
37 Things Just Individuals Experiencing childhood during the 80s Will Comprehend













