Cheetos and Doritos are going without artificial dyes as PepsiCo introduces new versions of these snacks. Starting December 1, these dye-free snacks will be sold under a new line called Simply NKD. Although the snacks will be colorless, they will taste the same as regular Cheetos and Doritos.
The new Simply NKD snacks are part of PepsiCo's effort to offer healthier options. They will include Doritos in nacho cheese and Cool Ranch flavors, and Cheetos in puffs and Flamin' Hot varieties.
This move comes in response to growing pressure from consumers and health advocates to remove artificial dyes from food. Some states and health officials, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have called for an end to synthetic dyes in food, saying they offer no nutritional value and may even be harmful.
However, some companies have been slow to make the change because people tend to prefer the bright colors. PepsiCo hasn’t fully removed artificial dyes but is offering alternatives without them to give consumers more choices. The company also plans to launch other healthier products, like Pepsi Prebiotic Cola and a lower-sugar Gatorade in the coming months.
Executive Statement
According to Hernán Tantardini, CMO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., no color, no artificial flavors, same intensity. They are reinventing our iconic — and most famous — brands to deliver options with the bold flavors fans know and love, now reimagined without any colors or artificial flavors.
According to Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., as part of their broader transformation, they are expanding choices while still protecting their iconic brands. More choices, same flavor, same brand power.