
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
Linda Hamilton, 69, says she doesn't want to 'chase longevity' - 2
Beddings of 2024: Track down Your Ideal Fit for a Tranquil Rest - 3
Kansas school officials report high student illness, dismiss early - 4
Beating Scholastic Difficulties: Understudy Examples of overcoming adversity - 5
Vote in favor of Your Number one Cake Type
Effectiveness Uncovered: A Survey of \Smoothing out Your Errands\ Efficiency Application
Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away
Sea level doesn’t rise at the same rate everywhere – we mapped where Antarctica’s ice melt would have the biggest impact
A definitive Manual for Picking Electric Vehicle: Decision in favor of Your Number one
Exploring the Market: Unsold Rams May Be Less expensive Than You Naturally suspect
The Most Encouraging New companies to Look Out For
Venus shines at its best in spring and summer 2026 — here's what to look for
Inn The executives: A Remunerating Profession Decision for Energetic People
Figure out How to Score Huge with Open Record Rewards













