
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
How a Middle East War Becomes a Retail Price Hike - 2
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks tonight, but will the full 'Wolf Moon' outshine the show? - 3
EU delegation urges China to tighten export controls - 4
Getting breast implants was a mistake I live with every day. Why I’m sharing my story now, at 70, in pain and afraid. - 5
5 Most Expected Film Delivery
From School Dropout to Example of overcoming adversity: My Excursion
Syrian army says recent drone attacks targeted its bases near Iraq, most shot down
Monetary Versatility: Get ready for Life's Unforeseen Difficulties
The ‘Stranger Things’ finale, explained: What happens to Vecna? And why was a key character’s fate left unknown?
Starship success, a private moon landing and more: The top 10 spaceflight stories of 2025
Merz: 80% of Syrians in Germany should return in three years
Outer space conditions hamper sperm's ability to navigate toward an egg
Kids who get 2-month vaccines on time 7 times more likely to receive MMR shot: Study
What to know about the hepatitis B shot — and why Trump officials are targeting it













