PepsiCo has launched "Simply NKD," a new Doritos and Cheetos line that removes artificial colors and flavors while keeping the same recipes. The initial SKUs include Cheetos Puffs and Flamin' Hot, and Doritos Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese, with Flamin' Hot shifting from bright red to a pale yellow. PepsiCo says reformulation took about eight weeks, blind taste tests often couldn’t distinguish the versions, and pre-orders are open ahead of a Dec. 1 store rollout.
PepsiCo Unveils 'Simply NKD' Doritos & Cheetos — Same Bold Flavors, No Artificial Colors or Flavors
PepsiCo has launched "Simply NKD," a new Doritos and Cheetos line that removes artificial colors and flavors while keeping the same recipes. The initial SKUs include Cheetos Puffs and Flamin' Hot, and Doritos Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese, with Flamin' Hot shifting from bright red to a pale yellow. PepsiCo says reformulation took about eight weeks, blind taste tests often couldn’t distinguish the versions, and pre-orders are open ahead of a Dec. 1 store rollout.
07:39 AM, 11/14/2025Lifestyle
PepsiCo launches "Simply NKD" Doritos and Cheetos
PepsiCo has introduced a new "Simply NKD" line for Doritos and Cheetos that removes artificial colors and flavors while preserving the familiar taste profiles fans expect. The company says this new option is meant to expand choice for consumers, not replace existing products.
Announced in a press release on Thursday, Nov. 13, PepsiCo described the NKD offerings as "completely colorless," providing a visually muted alternative to the brightly colored originals. Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., emphasized that NKD is optional: "Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged. NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand."
The initial lineup includes:
- Cheetos Simply NKD: Puffs and Flamin' Hot
- Doritos Simply NKD: Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese
Notably, the Flamin' Hot NKD variant will shift from the signature bright red hue to a more natural, pale yellow appearance while aiming to keep the same spicy flavor profile.
PepsiCo says it took roughly eight weeks "from concept to completion" to reformulate and remove artificial dyes and flavors. According to an NBC News segment, blind taste tests found that many consumers could not reliably distinguish the NKD chips from the originals; television anchors in the segment were able to identify the versions correctly but still described the NKD snacks as "really good."
Hernán Tantardini, CMO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., called the rollout "pioneering a snacking revolution," adding that the company is "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."
The four NKD flavors are available for pre-order now, individually or as a taste-test bundle, and are slated to appear on grocery shelves starting Dec. 1. PepsiCo previously announced in October that it would begin phasing out artificial dyes from products including Cheetos and Gatorade. The company framed the move as responding to consumer demand and growing public scrutiny of food additives from various public figures and commentators.
What this means for shoppers: If you prefer snacks without artificial colors or flavors, you’ll soon have the option to buy familiar Doritos and Cheetos recipes in a visually subtler form — same brand, same claimed taste, different look.