Doritos and Cheetos dial back the bright orange in new versions without artificial ingredients

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Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. makeover / ˈmeɪkˌoʊ vər / (n.) – the act of changing a person or thing’s appearance to look new, different, or better
    Example:

    The old kitchen had a complete makeover.


  2. underway / ˌʌn dərˈweɪ / (adj.) – in progress, already happening, or currently taking place
    Example:

    A big change is underway at the company.


  3. colorless / ˈkʌl ər ləs / (adj.) – having no color
    Example:

    The medicine is colorless and has no taste.


  4. pledge / plɛdʒ / (n.) – a serious promise to do something or to give something
    Example:

    Several companies have made pledges to reduce plastic use by 2030.


  5. urge / ɜːrdʒ / (v.) – to strongly ask, encourage, or advise someone to do something
    Example:

    Scientists are urging governments to take climate change seriously.


Article

Read the text below.

Doritos and Cheetos are getting a makeover.


PepsiCo said in November that it’s launching toned-down versions of its bright orange snacks that won’t have any artificial colors or flavors. Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD hit store shelves on Dec. 1.


It’s part of a broader shift underway at PepsiCo, which announced in April that it would accelerate a planned transition to using natural colors in its foods and beverages. Around 40% of its U.S. products now contain synthetic dyes, according to the company.


Dye-free doesn’t mean Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD are colorless. Instead, they’re just a lighter color, like a tortilla chip.


Many other big food companies, including Kraft Heinz and General Mills, have made similar pledges. They’re feeling pressure from federal regulators and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who are urging companies to eliminate synthetic food dyes by next year.


States have also been taking action. Texas recently passed a law requiring warning labels for foods that contain artificial ingredients. Other states are moving to ban or restrict synthetic dyes.


PepsiCo has sold Simply brand Doritos and Cheetos without artificial dyes since 2002. But those products aren’t designed to taste like the original chips.


The Simply NKD versions are supposed to taste like the originals. But unlike the originals, they don’t contain petroleum-based dyes. They also have shorter ingredient lists.


For example, Simply NKD Doritos and Simply NKD Cheetos don’t contain the flavor-enhancing additives disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, which are found in the original versions.


“We’re turning expectations upside down—removing artificial colors, not the flavor—and proving that unforgettable taste can be colorless,” said Rachel Ferdinando, the CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement.


PepsiCo said the Simply NKD line includes flavors like Cool Ranch Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The chips are priced the same as the original varieties.


The company said original Doritos and Cheetos will also remain on the market.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • PepsiCo is releasing Doritos and Cheetos that are lighter in color because they no longer use artificial dyes. How much does the color of food affect what you think it will taste like, even if you know the color is not natural? Discuss.
  • Doritos and Cheetos snacks are getting a makeover. If a familiar product’s appearance suddenly changed, would you trust it more or less? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • PepsiCo says the original Doritos and Cheetos will remain available alongside the new versions. If both “original” and “healthier-ingredient” versions of a snack are offered, which are you more likely to buy? Why? What makes you stay loyal to a specific version of a product even when new alternatives appear? Discuss.
  • The new dye-free versions of Doritos and Cheetos are priced the same as the originals. If a food that sounds healthier costs the same as the regular version, does that make it seem a better value to you? Why do you say so? How much are you willing to pay for food that is more natural or without artificial dyes or flavors? Discuss.