The lineup includes Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese, Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch, Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs, and Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot.
“Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged. NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand,” said Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S. “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.”
The snacks will have the same flavors as the originals, but they will lack the bright hues and finger-staining dust. Simply NKD Cool Ranch Doritos and the Nacho Cheese version both resemble ordinary unseasoned tortilla chips. The Simply NKD Puffs and Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot have a pale yellow color similar to the brand’s Simply Puffs White Cheddar Cheese product.
“No color, no artificial flavors, same intensity — that’s Simply NKD. Doritos and Cheetos are pioneering a snacking revolution, or a renaissance, if you will,” says Hernán Tantardini, CMO of PepsiCo Foods U.S. “We are reinventing our iconic — and most famous — brands to deliver options with the bold flavors fans know and love, now reimagined without any colors or artificial flavors.”
Development took eight weeks, according to the company.
The launch follows an FDA announcement requiring manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, by the end of next year. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has supported the move. The agency is also monitoring concerns from parents and some scientists about potential harm to children from food dyes, though no link has been established.
PepsiCo did not reference regulations or health concerns in its announcement.
Original Doritos and Cheetos recipes will continue alongside the new line.
Simply NKD products are available for preorder at Walmart and will appear in stores nationwide starting on December 1. Packaging is bright white to clearly differentiate it from the colorful classic Cheeto and Dorito packaging.