The New NKD Doritos And Cheetos Are Changing The Snack Aisle

Snack aisles are getting a makeover, and two of America’s most iconic chips are leading the charge.

Doritos and Cheetos are stepping into a new era with their “Simply NKD” line – a collection designed to keep the bold flavors fans love while stripping away artificial dyes and flavors.

The move signals a major shift in how familiar brands are responding to changing regulations, rising health concerns, and growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredient lists.

A New Direction For Two Classic Snacks

PepsiCo announced that Doritos and Cheetos will now be offered in “NKD” versions – products made without artificial colors or flavors.

Despite being described as “colorless,” the chips aren’t actually transparent; instead, they have a pale yellow shade similar to plain corn chips.

The idea behind NKD isn’t about removing visual appeal but about delivering the same intensity of flavor without relying on synthetic additives.

Behind The Shift: Consumer And Regulatory Pressure

The launch comes at a time when federal regulators, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the national supply by the end of next year.

Growing concerns among parents and some researchers about potential health effects of artificial dyes – especially in children – have brought even more attention to the issue.

Although the FDA has not yet confirmed a direct link, the agency says it is continuing to monitor emerging data.

What PepsiCo Isn’t Saying

While the timing of the NKD rollout aligns closely with upcoming regulatory changes, PepsiCo’s press release does not acknowledge the new rules or public concerns surrounding food dyes.

Instead, the company focuses on marketing the launch as a “snacking renaissance,” emphasizing creativity and innovation rather than necessity.

By framing NKD as a flavor-forward reinvention, PepsiCo positions the line as an upgrade rather than a compliance measure.

What The New NKD Line Includes

The NKD collection will debut with four familiar flavors: Doritos Nacho Cheese, Doritos Cool Ranch, Cheetos Puffs, and Cheetos Flamin’ Hot.

All will feature the cleaner ingredient profile while maintaining the taste fans expect. The chips are available for preorder now, with an official store release date of December 1.

Their muted yellow color marks a visual departure from the electric reds and oranges these snacks are known for, reflecting the shift toward a more natural formulation.

What This Means For The Future Of Snacking

PepsiCo is hinting that this is only the beginning. “If we can reinvent Doritos and Cheetos, imagine what’s next,” the company teased in its announcement.

With regulatory pressures mounting and consumer demand for transparency growing quickly, other snack brands may soon follow suit.

The NKD line could mark the start of a larger movement – one where iconic flavors stay bold, but ingredient lists get noticeably cleaner.