In response to shifting consumer preferences and federal health guidelines, PepsiCo has announced a significant transformation of its snack food recipes. The company's popular brands such as Doritos, Cheetos, and Lay's will be shedding artificial colors and flavors in favor of more natural ingredients in a new initiative dubbed "NKD" snacks.
During an interview with Yahoo Finance, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta underscored the company's commitment to innovation, particularly focusing on increasing dietary fiber—a nutrient he noted many Americans lack in their diets. "Consumers in the United States have a deficiency of fiber, and we're innovating in fiber," Laguarta said.
The initiative aligns with the recent directive from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has called on food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based dyes from the American food supply by the end of 2026. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has drawn attention to the health risks of synthetic additives, citing their association with childhood obesity, diabetes, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders.
The Western Journal reports that with the elimination of synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from its snacks, PepsiCo aims to address both parental and regulatory concerns. The revamped recipes will also incorporate healthier oils such as avocado and olive oil, with Lay's chips in the United States set to be free of artificial colors and flavors by the end of 2025. Additional products, including Tostitos and Gatorade, are on the schedule for similar updates in the years to come.
The reformulation extends to protein-enriched snack lines, designed to increase satiety and support muscle recovery. Industry analysts observe that PepsiCo's shift reflects a broader trend among food manufacturers toward transparency, nutrition, and responsiveness to public health concerns.
Dietitians like Kendall Mackintosh have expressed support for the changes, highlighting the connection between artificial colors and health issues such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes in children. Mackintosh, along with other experts such as registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, advocates for careful attention to protein sources, recommending whole-food options over heavily processed alternatives.
Fox News notes that as part of the NKD initiative, PepsiCo is not only removing synthetic dyes but also expanding its use of natural ingredients and introducing protein-focused options, positioning its iconic snack brands as safer and more nutritionally appealing.
The company's proactive approach to innovation responds to evolving dietary trends and encourages industry-wide adoption of healthier snack alternatives. As Americans increasingly scrutinize diet quality, PepsiCo's combination of fiber-focused innovation, cleaner recipes, and functional snack options may set a precedent for other major food brands. The strategy underscores the balance between meeting health-conscious consumer expectations and maintaining the flavor and appeal that have made these snacks household staples.
Daniella Genovese from Fox Business shared on Twitter that Lay's potato chips are revealing their largest redesign in history to align with the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign initiatives, with PepsiCo updating packaging to feature a new sun logo and ingredient-focused visuals.
