(LOOTPRESS) – PepsiCo is rolling out new versions of Doritos and Cheetos made without artificial colors or flavors, the company announced Thursday. The reformulated snacks, marketed as Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD, will arrive in stores on Dec. 1.
The launch marks a major step in PepsiCo’s broader effort to remove synthetic dyes from its products. The company said in April it would accelerate its transition to natural colors; about 40% of its U.S. portfolio still contains artificial dyes.
The new chips won’t be colorless, but they will lose the bright orange hue that has long defined the brands. Simply NKD chips will appear closer to a standard tortilla-chip shade.
PepsiCo is part of a growing wave of major food manufacturers—including Kraft Heinz and General Mills—moving away from artificial dyes amid pressure from federal regulators and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who are pushing companies to eliminate synthetic dyes by next year. Some states are also taking action: Texas recently passed a law requiring warning labels for foods with artificial ingredients, while others are exploring bans or restrictions.
PepsiCo has offered a “Simply” line without artificial dyes since 2002, but those products weren’t intended to replicate the taste of the originals. The new Simply NKD versions are designed to match the flavor profiles of classic Doritos and Cheetos while using shorter ingredient lists and no petroleum-based dyes. They also omit additives like disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, which appear in the traditional recipes.
“We’re turning expectations upside down — removing artificial colors, not the flavor — and proving that unforgettable taste can be colorless,” said Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S.
The Simply NKD lineup will include familiar options such as Cool Ranch Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and will be priced the same as the original varieties.
PepsiCo says the classic Doritos and Cheetos products will remain available.
