
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
Air New Zealand cuts flights and hikes fares as fuel prices surge - 2
The Best 10 Innovation Developments of the Year - 3
Collins Foods to offload 20 Taco Bell outlets in Australia - 4
Israeli Chief of Staff declares new border with Gaza Strip - 5
Woman charged in unprovoked stabbing of tourist changing baby's diaper in Macy’s Herald Square store
Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference
UAE recalls some Nestle infant formula products, Qatar warns consumers
Don't fall for it: These common tourist scams in Rome are easy to avoid if you know what you're looking for
Genesis Marks 10th Anniversary With Magma GT Concept Aimed at High-Performance Flagships
‘Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber’ tour — How to get tickets, presale times, concert dates and more
4 Electric Vehicle Brands: Execution, Unwavering quality, and Development
Sources: IDF does not actually know how many ballistic missiles Iran has left
Former elite Australian soldier charged with Afghan war crimes
2026 Golden Globes live updates: Red carpet arrivals will kick off the night; Nikki Glaser set to host













