For fans of packaged snacks like Doritos, there’s some news that’s sure to brighten their day. PepsiCo is launching versions that won’t stain your fingers; some Cheetos and Doritos products will soon be available without bright artificial colors, but with the same iconic flavors. The parent company has announced a reinvention of these two snacks with the launch of the new Simply NKD flavors of Doritos and Cheetos, adding to the already popular snack line of both brands. After all, stained fingers after eating these kinds of packages used to be a common occurrence.
“We are reinventing our famous and iconic brands to offer options that maintain the flavors fans love but without artificial colors or flavorings”
Fans of these brands have nothing to worry about, according to the company, as the modification doesn’t change the original flavor. “We are reinventing our famous and iconic brands to offer options that maintain the flavors fans love but without artificial colors or flavorings,” said Hernán Tantardini, CMO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement. In fact, PepsiCo stated that its research and development teams brought the products to life from conception to completion in just eight weeks; now it remains to be seen what consumers think.
With the information we have, fans of the more traditional Cheetos and Doritos products will still be able to purchase their favorite snacks, PepsiCo said this week. Although the company didn’t address the issue when announcing the NKD line, earlier this year it indicated it would accelerate its ingredient adjustments after agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) increased scrutiny of ingredients such as artificial colors. “The result? Same crunch. Same flavor. Same joy — just without added color,” PepsiCo said in a release.
One of the main health concerns is the excessive use of certain colorings in foods
This is good news, not only for those who don’t like getting their fingers dirty, but also for researchers and scientists. One of the main health concerns is the excessive use of certain colorings in many foods. Their use has been steadily increasing and has become a real concern, as it can pose a threat to public health. Therefore, the removal of these colorings is welcomed with optimism, although we must wait for the official launch and carefully analyze PepsiCo’s ‘new’ recipe.
But it’s not just adults who are concerned; in recent years, some consumers and food scientists have also expressed growing worries about the potential impact of repeated consumption of artificial colorings on children’s development, although no clinical trials have yet shown any harm. Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., has stated that “NKD is a complementary option, not a substitute, introduced to meet consumer demand.” All of this is happening at a time when U.S. health authorities are moving toward phasing out petroleum-derived additives in the food supply.
This initiative joins similar changes and commitments that other packaged consumer goods brands have implemented
Specifically, the new Simply NKD range, short for “naked,” includes Doritos Nacho Cheese, Doritos Cool Ranch, Cheetos Puffs, and Cheetos Flamin’ Hot. It will be available on December 1st. “This move underscores our commitment to flavor leadership, demonstrating that our taste remains strong even without visual elements. As part of our comprehensive transformation, we are expanding our options while continuing to protect our iconic brands. More choices, same great taste, same brand strength,” explained Rachel Ferdinando.
Finally, PepsiCo has not yet specified the ingredients that will give color to these versions, although the company has experimented with natural alternatives such as paprika, turmeric, and radishes. It has not been confirmed whether the new range will include these ingredients or not. This initiative joins similar changes and commitments that other packaged consumer goods brands have implemented to eliminate artificial colorings from their products, such as Kraft Heinz and General Mills. We will have to wait and see what PepsiCo’s actual proposal is, although Ferdinando has made it clear that “rest assured that our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged.”