PepsiCo announced that starting next month, customers will be able to purchase products like Cheetos and Doritos that contain no artificial colors.
In a press release Thursday, the company explained that “Simply NKD” Cheetos Flamin' Hot, “Simply NKD” Cheetos Puffs, “Simply NKD” Doritos Nacho Cheese and “Simply NKD” Cool Ranch will be available in stores on December 1st. Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods US, explained that Doritos and Cheetos “Simply NKD” chips were an “additional option” and not a “replacement.”
“Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged,” Ferdinando said. “NKD is a supplement, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand. This move underscores our commitment to flavor leadership, demonstrating that our flavor remains strong even without visual cues.”
According to the press release, the “Simply NKD” idea for Cheetos and Doritos “came to life in just eight weeks”:
PepsiCo snacks have always been bold. Doritos is known for its boldness. Cheetos are naughty. Simply NKD™ takes this DNA and pushes the boundaries to offer fans flavor without compromise.
From concept to completion, Simply NKD™ came to life in just eight weeks. Our research and development teams—among the best in the world—have strived to achieve what many thought was unattainable: bold, best-in-class fragrances without dyes or artificial flavors.
CBS News reported The Doritos website explains that “Original Nacho Cheese-flavored Doritos contain artificial colors Yellow 6, Yellow 5 and Red 40,” while regular Doritos Cool Ranch chips have “Blue 1, Red 40 and Yellow 5.”
Original nacho cheese-flavored Doritos contain artificial colors Yellow 6, Yellow 5 and Red 40. The Cool Ranch variant includes Blue 1, Red 40 and Yellow 5. Other varieties contain other artificial colors, according to the Doritos website.
Original Cheetos and Puffs contain Yellow 6. Flamin' Hot Cheetos also contain Yellow 6, Yellow 5 and Red 40.
PepsiCo's move comes as the company previously announced it would elimination artificial colors and flavors in Lay's and Tostitos products, and no seed oils.
Other companies such as General MillsHershey and Nestlé also did advertisements that they will be eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their products over the next few years.
In March, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. informed Executives at companies including Smucker's, General Mills and Kellogg's said the Trump administration wanted to remove artificial colors from their products.
