
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
Eleven Creations And Developments That Steered History - 2
Dependable Savvy Locks to Update Your Home Security - 3
I decided to become a single mother by choice. I wasn't ready to stop dating. - 4
Former defense minister Gallant vacated home over security threat under Shin Bet direction - 5
Interoceanic Train derails in southern Mexico, injuring at least 15 and halting traffic on line
We tasted one of the 10,000 Hershey's Dubai chocolate bars being resold on eBay. Is it worth the hype?
Extraordinary Miracles: The Cherished Islands for a Tropical Get-away
Paraplegic engineer becomes the first wheelchair user to blast into space
Colleges say foreign students feel 'unwelcome' in the U.S. amid big drop in international enrollment, new survey finds
'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot releases 1st trailer, reuniting Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston: Watch here
The most effective method to Recognize a Great Lab Jewel
Step by step instructions to Safeguard Your Teeth During Sports Exercises
I work with companies to confront addiction in the workplace. The hidden crisis is costing corporate America millions.
5 things for parents to know about changes to kids vaccine schedule











