Cheetos and Doritos are getting naked

At PepsiCo, innovation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s in our DNA. Today, we’re taking one of our boldest steps yet with the launch of Simply NKD™, a reinvention of iconic Doritos® and Cheetos® flavors — now made with no artificial flavors or dyes, and completely colorless.

"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. "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 big question that sparked it all: What if we stripped our most iconic snacks down to their fundamentals?

PepsiCo snacks have always been bold. Doritos is known for being bold. Cheetos is mischievous. Simply NKD™ takes that DNA and pushes boundaries — delivering the flavors fans love, without compromise.

From concept to completion, Simply NKD™ came to life in just eight weeks. Our R&D teams — some of the best in the world — sprinted to achieve what many thought couldn’t be done: bold, best in class flavors with no dyes or artificial flavors.

The result? Same crunch. Same flavor. Same joy — just without added color.

“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.

Which products are getting naked?

The debut Simply NKD™ collection includes:

• Doritos® Simply NKD™ Nacho Cheese
• Doritos® Simply NKD™ Cool Ranch®
• Cheetos® Simply NKD™ Puffs
• Cheetos® Simply NKD™ Flamin’ Hot®

Available for pre-order now, with in-store availability starting December 1.

If we can reinvent Doritos and Cheetos, imagine what’s next.