Colorless Cheetos and Doritos Arrive in Stores Next Month
PepsiCo has announced that next month will see the arrival of colorless versions of its popular snack brands, Cheetos and Doritos. Starting December 1, consumers can find Simply NKD varieties that are devoid of artificial flavors and dyes.
What are Simply NKD Snacks?
The Simply NKD collection includes four flavors:
- Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese
- Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch
- Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs
- Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot
These snacks aim to meet growing consumer demand for healthier options. Although the new varieties will replace bright colors with a more natural appearance, PepsiCo assures that the traditional flavors will remain unchanged.
Background on the Initiative
This development follows increasing scrutiny over synthetic food dyes, driven in part by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The FDA has also urged the food industry to reconsider the use of these artificial ingredients, although it has not instituted an outright ban.
Original snacks such as Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch Doritos contain several artificial dyes, including Yellow 6 and Red 40. Cheetos products likewise have these color additives, which have raised concerns about potential health impacts, particularly in children.
Health Concerns and Industry Responses
Critics of artificial food dyes point to their possible links to negative behavioral outcomes, like hyperactivity in children. Some states, such as West Virginia, have moved to prohibit these dyes in food products. In response, other food companies, including Kraft Heinz, have also committed to removing these synthetic ingredients.
While there is ongoing debate about the health effects of food dyes, some experts emphasize that other components in processed foods, like high salt, sugar, and fat content, pose greater health risks.
As the Simply NKD snacks hit the shelves, consumers will have the option to enjoy their favorite flavors in a new, dye-free format, marked by PepsiCo’s commitment to meet modern dietary expectations. The company maintains that this introduction doesn’t eliminate the original products, allowing consumers to choose between classic and new versions.
