
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
Don’t let food poisoning crash your Thanksgiving dinner - 2
Gaza receiving over 70,000 cubic meters of water per day, COGAT claims - 3
David Duchovny's new thriller has him stripping down at 65. But its chilling premise hits close to home. - 4
3D Printers for Specialists - 5
The 2026 'Super Bowl of Astronomy' starts today — here's what's happening
'Every day I planned an escape': Ariel Cunio shares details of Hamas captivity
Which restaurants and fast food chains will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
‘It’s Israeli policy’: Report reveals abuse of Palestinians in prisons
Spanish woman, 25, dies by legal euthanasia in case that drew national spotlight
Colorado residents face earliest water restrictions ever — a harbinger of worse to come
Which Store is Your Decision ?
Zelensky confidant dismissed from further posts amid bribery scandal
4 Famous Attractions at Disneyland
An 'explosion' of solo-agers are struggling with rising costs and little support: 'I'm flying without a net'












