
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
Working out at the airport? Some fliers can already smell the sweat. - 2
How federal officials talk about health is shifting in troubling ways – and that change makes me worried for my autistic child - 3
I watched the buzzy new AI documentary — and left feeling both hopeful and terrified - 4
6 Fun Urban areas For Seniors To Travel - 5
Carina Nebula shines with white-blue stars | Space photo of the day for Jan. 5, 2026
Churches and politicians in South Sudan call for 'lasting peace' in Easter messages
How does spider venom damage human cells? Researchers uncover the killer mechanism of recluse spider toxin
Incredible Travel Objections for Craftsmanship Darlings to Visit
Don't miss Jupiter shining close to the waning gibbous moon on Dec. 7
Selena Quintanilla documentary 'Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy' is coming to Netflix
Arrow Exploration brings new Colombian oil well on stream ahead of schedule and under budget
Katz alleges Army Radio workers misled High Court in bid to halt closure
French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform
Watch Chinese astronauts enjoy '1st ever space BBQ' from Tiangong's brand-new oven (video)












