
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
A few Up-to-date Sacks - Stylish Young ladies Shouldn't Miss - 2
In Antarctica, photos show a remote area teeming with life amid growing risks from climate change - 3
Recent studies prove the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective at fighting the common cold - 4
Cocoa Prices Sink on Favorable Crop Conditions in West Africa - 5
Best Disney Palace: Which One Catches Your Creative mind?
‘Extraordinary’ Iron Age war trumpet uncovered in England
Rick Steves Recommends This German Town's Castle Hotel With Rhine River Views
The 12 biggest space stories of 2025 — according to you
What's the new 'Knives Out' mystery about? Everything to know about 'Wake Up Dead Man,' including who's in the cast and what the reviews say.
Well informed: How to Take full advantage of Your Gadgets
Doctors say changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids
As nations push for more ambition at climate talks, chairman says they may get it
Go on A Careful spending plan: Modest Objections for Your List of must-dos
The race to mine the moon is on – and it urgently needs some clear international rules












