
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
Astronomer captures 2 meteors slamming into the moon (video) - 2
Artemis 2 moon rocket gets 'America 250' paint job | Space photo of the day for Dec. 23, 2025 - 3
Turkey's Erdogan denounces Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit, affirms support for Gaza - 4
Health Rounds: Regeneron drug wipes out residual multiple myeloma cells in small trial - 5
College students are now slightly less likely to experience severe depression, research shows – but the mental health crisis is far from over
'Senseless violence' erupts at Christmas tree lighting; 4 injured
Kids get diseases like lupus, too. As researchers hunt better treatments, this camp brings joy
Israel kidnaps PIJ terrorist in covert op. in Hamas-controlled Gaza in pursuit of Ran Gvili
Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings
Favored Vehicle for Seniors: Make Your Determination
Mountain Trekking on a Tight spending plan: Tracking down the Right Bicycle
What's an atmospheric river? AP explains the weather phenomenon
1st-ever disease gene fix, Alzheimer's blood test: 7 medical breakthroughs in 2025
Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities













