
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
Solar storms have influenced our history – an environmental historian explains how they could also threaten our future - 2
A Gustav Klimt painting is now the most expensive piece of modern art sold at auction. The fascinating history behind the $236 million 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer.' - 3
6 Web-based Staple Help You Can Trust - 4
Lilly becomes first healthcare firm to join trillion-dollar club, Wall Street reacts - 5
7 Heavenly Espressos, One Do You Like?
15 skywatching events you won't want to miss in 2026
Consume Fat Quick: 10 Demonstrated Activities for Ideal Outcomes
Agricultural drones are taking off globally, saving farmers time and money
Lahav 433 head Asst.-Ch. Meni Benjamin named as police officer investigated for breach of trust
Mom finds out she has cancer after noticing something was off while breastfeeding
Bitcoin momentum builds in Abu Dhabi as global interest surges
Visual communication Programming for Fledglings
Netanyahu vows to ‘return Negev to Israel,’ pledges settlement growth during visit
Vote In favor of Your Favored Web-based Book Retailor













