Cheetos Fans React After Company Removes Red 40 Dye From Flamin’ Hot Line, Revealing New Look
MASSACHUSETTS — For decades, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos have been recognized instantly by their vibrant red color—a hue that stains your fingertips as much as it satisfies your craving. But a recent change by Cheetos’ parent company, PepsiCo, has fans both surprised and divided after the brand introduced a new version without artificial dyes, removing the famous Red 40 coloring.
The new snack line, called Simply NKD, was quietly rolled out this month and includes Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot alongside several Doritos varieties.
Viral Reaction Sparks Debate Among Fans
TikTok creator Yadira Perez (@yadiraparraa) went viral after sharing her stunned reaction to the discovery that Hot Cheetos are no longer red.
“I get on TikTok and see Hot Cheetos are no longer red… excuse me!!!???” Perez exclaimed in her video, which has been viewed more than 7.8 million times.
The clip shows Perez appearing visibly shocked as she holds up a bag of the new Cheetos, now a muted orange-brown instead of their trademark fiery red. “Like I know it’s good for our health,” she wrote, “but I know it’s not going to taste the same.”
Perez told BroBible that she “grew up” eating Hot Cheetos and didn’t expect the video to gain such attention.
What Changed — And Why
PepsiCo confirmed that the color change is part of its new Simply NKD (No Artificial Colors or Flavors) product line, which includes:
- Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs
- Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot
- Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese
- Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch
The company says these new versions were created in response to growing consumer demand for “cleaner” snack options.
“Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged,” said Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement. “NKD is an additive option, not a replacement.”
Do They Taste Different?
Despite the color change, blind taste tests conducted by The Takeout suggest that most people can’t tell the difference. Out of four products tested, only one participant correctly guessed between the original and the Simply NKD version—and admitted it was a lucky guess.
So while the snacks may look milder, their spicy flavor remains the same.
Why Red 40 Was Removed
Red Dye 40 is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum and one of the most common dyes used in U.S. food products. Though approved by the FDA, growing concern over artificial ingredients has pushed major brands toward more natural alternatives.
While studies on the dye’s safety remain mixed, researchers have linked high consumption to hyperactivity in children and possible migraines or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Mixed Reactions From Consumers
Online reactions have ranged from amusement to outrage.
“I’d feel tricked as a kid if I was given these new Hot Cheetos,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “You mean I can finally eat Hot Cheetos again? Red 40 will always be a no for me.”
Others simply shrugged it off, focusing on flavor: “As long as they taste the same, I don’t care.”
Whether loved for nostalgia or avoided for health reasons, it’s clear that Hot Cheetos’ fiery red look has become as iconic as its taste—and any change to that identity is bound to leave fans talking.
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