The Chemical Makeup of Cheetos
Yes, many traditional Cheetos products contain artificial food dyes. The specific dyes vary by flavor, but common ones include Yellow 6 and Red 40. These synthetic color additives, often derived from petroleum, are what give many Cheetos varieties their vibrant and uniform orange, red, or yellow hues. In fact, it was discovered that the yellow dye, tartrazine (Yellow 5), used in some products can make mouse skin transparent, a finding published in Science. The practice of using synthetic dyes is common in the processed food industry, as these colors are inexpensive, vibrant, and consistent. However, this trend has faced increasing scrutiny from consumers and health advocacy groups, prompting food manufacturers like PepsiCo to begin offering alternative products.
The Health Debate: Artificial Dyes and Your Health
Concerns surrounding artificial food dyes are not new, but they have gained renewed attention in recent years. Critics and some studies link these synthetic additives to potential health issues, particularly behavioral problems in children, such as hyperactivity and attention deficits. In Europe, stricter regulations are in place, requiring warning labels on foods containing certain dyes. This has led many global food companies to use safer alternatives in their European products while continuing to use artificial dyes in the US. While regulatory bodies like the FDA in the US maintain that the approved dyes are safe for most people, they acknowledge that some individuals, particularly children, may be sensitive to them. Research is still ongoing, and many health professionals advise limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods that contain these additives, regardless of their safety status. The larger health concern, as some medical experts point out, is the overall nutritional profile of these ultra-processed snacks, which are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
The 'Simply' Solution: Cheetos Goes Natural
In response to growing consumer demand for cleaner labels and fewer synthetic ingredients, Cheetos' parent company, PepsiCo, has developed the 'Simply' product line. The 'Simply' versions of Cheetos and other snacks are formulated without artificial flavors or colors. Instead, they derive their coloring from natural sources, such as vegetable oil and spices, like annatto. This shift reflects a broader industry movement away from artificial ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers. This means that while many standard Cheetos products do contain artificial dyes, consumers now have a choice to opt for versions with natural colorings if they prefer.
Here are some of the key differences in how Cheetos products get their color:
Standard Cheetos (Example: Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar Jalapeno)
- Utilizes petroleum-derived dyes like Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Red 40 for certain flavors.
- Provides a consistently vibrant and uniform appearance.
- Used extensively across a wide range of Cheetos products sold in the U.S. and other markets.
- Consumer demand and regulatory changes are pushing for reformulations.
'Simply' Cheetos (Example: Cheetos Simply White Cheddar Puffs)
- Omits artificial colors and flavors entirely.
- Features natural colorings from ingredients like paprika, annatto, or beta-carotene.
- Typically offers a less vibrant, more natural appearance.
- Created specifically to meet the demand of consumers seeking products with simpler ingredients.
A Broader Industry Shift
Cheetos is not the only brand grappling with the consumer shift away from artificial dyes. Other major food companies have also pledged to remove these additives from their products, signaling a broader industry trend. The recent FDA announcement to phase out several artificial food dyes by the end of 2026, including Red 40 and Yellow 5 & 6, further accelerates this change. For Cheetos, this means an eventual transformation of their entire product lineup. The transition process is complex, involving extensive research and development to ensure that new natural dyes can maintain product stability, shelf life, and the familiar taste and appearance that consumers expect. This commitment to moving towards natural colorings indicates that the future of Cheetos and many other popular snacks will look different—and less artificial—than in the past.
Comparison of Dyes in Cheetos Varieties
| Feature | Standard Cheetos (e.g., Flamin' Hot) | 'Simply' Cheetos (e.g., White Cheddar) |
|---|---|---|
| Dyes Used | Artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1. | Natural colorings derived from vegetable sources like paprika, annatto, or turmeric. |
| Source of Dyes | Often petroleum-derived synthetic compounds. | Natural extracts from fruits, vegetables, and spices. |
| Appearance | Extremely vibrant, consistent, and uniform color. | More muted, natural-looking color derived from natural sources. |
| Availability | Widely available in most grocery stores in traditional snack aisles. | Found primarily in the natural foods section of stores or online. |
| Ingredient List | Contains 'Artificial Color' followed by a specific list of colors (e.g., 'Yellow 6 Lake'). | Does not list artificial colors; uses ingredients like 'paprika extract for color'. |
Conclusion
In summary, the presence of dyes in Cheetos depends on the specific product. Standard, brightly colored Cheetos contain artificial, petroleum-derived dyes like Yellow 6 and Red 40 to create their distinctive look. However, the company has created a separate 'Simply' line, which uses natural colorings to satisfy the growing consumer demand for snacks without synthetic additives. With increasing pressure from health advocates, regulatory changes, and consumer trends, the future points toward a gradual industry-wide shift away from artificial dyes. Consumers can make informed choices by reading the ingredient labels, and for those who wish to avoid synthetic colors, the 'Simply' line offers a readily available alternative. For more detailed information on ingredients and health concerns, consult the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores database for specific Cheetos products.
