"Childhood just got canceled": Internet gives mixed reaction to upcoming Doritos and Cheetos Naked version

PepsiCo announced that Doritos and Cheetos, two of its top snack brands, will launch new versions without artificial colors or flavors. The company shared this news on Thursday, introducing the "NKD" line.

This new offering aims to give customers a cleaner-label choice while keeping the familiar tastes of the original snacks. While the decision of the label comes off from health perspectives, the internet had mixed reaction to the news. Like always, some felt that the original version is better, as it hits the nostalgic point. 

 

"Childhood just got canceled" reacted @iamskrptd.

Another commented "This feels like an April Fools' joke."

One user reacted expressing his disappointment, "Clean but boring."

Another fan commented, "Have they considered this destroys the entire experience?"

Some users welcomed the change claiming they prefer snacks without artificial dyes and felt this new version might encourage them to buy the snacks again. 
 

"Thankyou for making it somewhat healthier" X user commented. 

"Its a step in the right direction. Another person expressed.

"Finally I can start eating Doritos again. I don't need my food dyed with chemicals," another said. 
 

Details of the upcoming NKD launch for Doritos and Cheetos 

In a statement released by the company, PepsiCo chief marketing officer Hernán Tantardini noted the intent behind the launch, saying,

“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.” He added that the company is “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.”

PepsiCo confirmed that Simply NKD products are available for pre-order and will reach store shelves on December 1. The announcement concluded with a forward-looking message from the brand:

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

NKD launch amid growing scrutiny of food additives and introduction of pale-colored snack line

NKD's launch comes as the nation pays more attention to food additives. Government officials, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said they plan to ban petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food by the end of next year.

While PepsiCo didn't mention these changes when it announced NKD, the new line fits with customers' growing desire to know what's in their food.

Despite being labeled “colorless,” the new snacks will not be completely devoid of color. Company images show the chips and puffs in a muted yellow shade similar to plain corn-based snacks.

The initial rollout will include Doritos Nacho Cheese, Doritos Cool Ranch, Cheetos Puffs, and Cheetos Flamin’ Hot.