
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
See tonight’s solar storm unfold across the world - 2
Firefighters rescue two Israelis trapped in vehicles on flooded roads in West Bank - 3
ByHeart infant formula recall tied to botulism outbreak puts parents on edge - 4
Vote in favor of Your Fantasy Vehicle: Which Notable Model Catches Your Heart? - 5
Storm Goretti sweeps United Kingdom, France with winds over 120 mph
Ukraine demands army of 800,000 under peace plan
'A prank': Israel Police detain suspect for shooting rubber bullets at Ashkelon kindergarten
Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans
Make your choice for the sweet that transports you to its nation of beginning!
Nestlé recalls infant formula in 49 countries. See list.
I visited the largest collection of public telescopes in the US in Oregon's high desert, and the dark skies blew me away
As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves
When Would it be a good idea for you to Look for Help from a Criminal Legal counselor?
Sanofi to acquire hepatitis B vaccine maker Dynavax for $2.2 billion













