PepsiCo is making significant changes to its popular snack brands, including Doritos and Cheetos, as part of a push toward healthier options. The company’s CEO, Ramon Laguarta, announced plans to remove artificial colors and flavors from these iconic snacks. He described this transformation as a move toward what he calls “naked” or “NKD” snacks that focus on better ingredients.
In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Laguarta highlighted a growing concern over low fiber intake among U.S. consumers. “Fiber will be a big trend,” he stated, pointing to the company’s commitment to innovating fiber options in its products. This strategy comes alongside a larger movement within the food industry spurred by recent governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing food safety and nutrition.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently declared it would partner with industry leaders to phase out petroleum-based dyes from the food supply by the end of next year. These dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 6—both found in snacks like Doritos Nacho Cheese and Cheetos—have drawn criticism for their potential health effects. Board-certified dietitian Kendall Mackintosh noted that these artificial additives have been linked to issues like inflammation and hyperactivity. A notable review of 27 clinical trials indicated that about 64 percent of studies found behavioral concerns in children associated with artificial dyes, underscoring the urgency of this reform.
Mackintosh expressed optimism about the changes in major brands, crediting the shift to increasing consumer demand. “Consumer demand is driving this shift… when we stop buying these products, companies are forced to change,” she remarked, reflecting a growing awareness among shoppers about the health implications of food choices.
PepsiCo’s reform effort isn’t limited to just a few products. The company plans to give similar makeovers to other popular chips like Lay’s and Tostitos, which will debut with new ingredient-focused packaging by the end of this year. Gatorade is also set to eliminate artificial ingredients in the coming years. Additionally, PepsiCo will look to expand its use of healthier fats, incorporating oils such as avocado and olive oil in certain products. Their commitment to removing artificial flavors and colors from Lay’s chips by year-end demonstrates a comprehensive strategy toward improving the health profile of their offerings.
This proactive stance aligns with recent statements from FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. He has called on food companies to replace petrochemical dyes with natural alternatives, highlighting the health crises facing American children today, including increases in diabetes and obesity rates. “We should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children,” Makary advised, echoing the sentiments of many health professionals and parents concerned about food safety.
The overall climate of change is encapsulated in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which is pushing for significant revisions in how food is produced and marketed. Kennedy characterized petroleum-based food dyes as “poisonous compounds” that provide no nutritional benefits, emphasizing their risks to the health and development of children.
As companies like PepsiCo adapt their products to meet these new health standards, it reflects a broader trend in the food industry. The shift toward cleaner, healthier ingredients is not just a response to regulatory pressures but also a recognition of changing consumer preferences. This evolution in snack foods marks a decisive step toward promoting better dietary choices in America.
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