
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
The architect of Iran’s military survival remains defiant - 2
IDF begins destroying homes used by Hezbollah as forces move deeper into southern Lebanon - 3
Deadly Switzerland ski resort fire was likely started by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, officials say - 4
What is colostrum? And should you be taking it? - 5
Grammy nominations 2026: Full list of nominees in every major category, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist
Vote in favor of your #1 Kind of Cap
Image of foreigners being arrested in S.Africa during Eid is AI-generated
Astounding Treehouses All over the Planet
Four new luxury hotel openings in Italy you need to know about
Best Amusement Park Bite: What Do You Very much want to Crunch On?
5 Arising Professions in Environmentally friendly power
A coup too far: Why Benin's rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded
Israel says soldiers wounded in Gaza fighting amid fragile truce
What to watch for as NASA’s historic Artemis II crew prepares to lift off toward the moon













