PepsiCo announced Thursday that it is launching dye-free versions of two of its most popular snack brands: Cheetos and Doritos.
The move aligns with the nationwide effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA).
The MAHA agenda is being championed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The new line, called Simply NKD, removes the artificial petroleum-based dyes that give traditional Cheetos and Doritos their brightly colored appearance.
The MAHA-aligned products feature stripped-down ingredient lists and muted natural coloring, signaling a shift in how major food corporations are responding to growing consumer scrutiny of synthetic additives.
PepsiCo emphasized that the new line is in addition to its legacy products, not a replacement.
In a statement, Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., said:
“Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged.
“NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand.
“This move underscores our commitment to flavor leadership, demonstrating that our taste remains strong even without visual cues.
“As part of our broader transformation, we are expanding choices while still protecting our iconic brands.
“More choices, same flavor, same brand power.”
PepsiCo says the new NKD line was developed in just eight weeks.
It’s a remarkably fast turnaround for a national product launch.
Dye-Free, Shorter Ingredient Lists, and Familiar Flavors
The new chips will launch in the most familiar varieties:
- Doritos NKD: Cool Ranch, Nacho Cheese
- Cheetos NKD: Puffs, Flamin’ Hot
Visually, the NKD versions appear pale yellow rather than the fluorescent orange and red associated with the originals.
Beyond the absence of artificial dyes, the new products also remove flavor-enhancing additives such as disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, according to The Associated Press.
PepsiCo is joining a growing wave of major companies, including In-N-Out, Tyson Foods, Kraft Heinz, and McCormick, that have recently announced initiatives to phase out artificial ingredients.
These reforms accelerated after the FDA officially banned Red No. 3 shortly before President Trump began his second term.
RFK Jr. Praised Earlier PepsiCo Reforms
PepsiCo’s shift comes months after RFK Jr. applauded the company for committing to removing artificial colors and flavors from Lay’s and Tostitos.
“PepsiCo just announced it will eliminate artificial colors and flavors from Lay’s and Tostitos by year’s end — and expand the use of avocado and olive oil in place of canola and soybean oil. I urge every other food company to follow their lead and join the movement to Make America Healthy Again,” RFK Jr. said at the time.
The new line of dye-free Cheetos and Doritos will begin appearing in stores on December 1.
It will give American consumers a new option as the nationwide push toward cleaner, simpler foods continues to grow.
READ MORE – McDonald’s Announces Big Changes to Align with Trump & RFK Jr’s MAHA Agenda
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