Doritos to Eliminate Artificial Flavors and Colors

Change is on the horizon for Doritos, one of America’s beloved snacks, alongside Cheetos.

PepsiCo, the company behind Doritos, has announced plans to stop using artificial flavors and colors in its products.

This decision came during the third quarter earnings call, reflecting a broader move to address consumer concerns about food ingredients. Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) pledged to work with industry leaders to phase out petroleum-based dyes by the end of next year.

Some of the artificial colors under scrutiny include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Interestingly, Doritos Nacho Cheese is made with all three, while Cheetos contains Yellow 6.

These petroleum-based synthetic dyes are commonly added to food and medicines to enhance their color.

Kendall McIntosh, a licensed nutritionist, expressed that these additives might be linked to various health issues, such as hyperactivity and inflammation.

A review conducted by the California Department of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment highlighted that around 64% of 27 clinical trials indicated behavioral problems in children related to artificial dye consumption.

McIntosh noted that it’s promising to see major food brands begin to align with initiatives promoting healthier food standards, like the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign led by Robert Kennedy Jr.

Historically, artificial food colors were derived from coal tar, but nowadays, most synthetic colors are made from petroleum or crude oil, according to the American Chemical Society (ACS).

While some critics might argue there’s little difference between consuming oil and coal, the ACS states that the final color product undergoes strict testing to ensure it is free from original oil residues.

McIntosh pointed out that consumer demand plays a crucial role in driving these changes, emphasizing that if people stop purchasing products with such additives, companies will be compelled to adapt.

On top of these changes, there’s an introduction of a new line of Doritos that claims to be “full of protein.”

Protein is known to aid in satiety and muscle recovery, McIntosh mentioned. Yet, she cautioned consumers to scrutinize such protein products, as many might contain processed sources, artificial flavors, and other additives.

She stressed the importance of looking beyond just the “protein” label and considering ingredient quality. Ideally, whole food sources, especially organic plant and grass-fed animal proteins, are the best choices.

Erin Palinsky Wade, a registered dietitian from New Jersey, previously shared insights on protein intake, recommending around 20 to 30 grams per meal, with protein constituting 20 to 25 percent of total daily calories, depending on one’s activity level.

Additionally, PepsiCo mentioned plans to increase the use of avocado and olive oils in some products.

By the end of 2025, all core products from Lay’s in the U.S. will also be free from artificial flavors and colors, as announced by the company.

Further comments from PepsiCo are yet to be obtained.