PepsiCo. recently announced the removal of artificial dyes from major U.S. products like Gatorade, Cheetos, and Doritos to meet consumer demand for natural ingredients. On April 22, 2025, The U.S. Health Department, Human Services, and The Food and Drug Administration decided to phase out petroleum-based food dyes from the food supply in America. Artificial dyes including FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2 – by the end of 2027. The FDA is also taking action to swiftly remove the color additive regulations that allow for the use of Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2. Earlier this year, FDA revoked the authorization for FD&C Red No. 3. are often added to chips, cereal, candy, and drinks to make them look brighter and more appealing to the customers. This has started a big uproar about health and food safety because consuming these dyes on a regular basis can have many negative long-term effects.
PepsiCo. owns many popular brands like Doritos, Lay’s, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew, which are all staples for many people around the world. When a company this large makes a decision like removing artificial dyes, it often influences the entire food industry. Gatorade’s fruit punch, lemon lime, and orange flavors of Gatorade’s “Thirst Quencher” and Gatorade Zero will include only plant-based colors. Cheetos and Doritos are also showing big changes through the introduction of the new “Simply Naked” versions of the original flavors. The Simply NKD collection includes Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese, Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch, Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs, and Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot, just without artificial flavors or dyes. “Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged. NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand,” says Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S.
Some studies have connected artificial food dyes to hyperactivity and behavior issues in kids. Many families are choosing to avoid products with artificial coloring because they want more natural ingredients in the foods they buy. This caused many companies, like PepsiCo. to rethink how they make and market their products. “Parents and doctors have concerns about petroleum-based food dyes, which have no nutritional benefit,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH. “Given the epidemic we face of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD, it’s common sense to work together to remove these chemicals as part of our broader effort to work to improve children’s healthy eating patterns.” All artificial colors associated with cancer and other health concerns are being taken out of their chips. Other companies have felt some pressure to make similar changes so that they can keep up with the leading companies. The feedback from this change has been mixed. Some are excited for a healthier version of their favorite chips and others are skeptical regarding the taste and appearance. People that are allergic to artificial colors are especially happy about this switch because they can join in on having some of America’s favorite snacks.
