A Definitive Shift: Lay's Removes Artificial Dyes
By the end of 2025, a fundamental change will sweep across the U.S. Lay's product lineup: the removal of all artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources. This pivot is part of a broader corporate strategy by PepsiCo to meet growing consumer demand for cleaner food labels and to proactively address potential regulatory changes. For consumers concerned about what they eat, this marks a significant development for one of the most popular snack brands in the world.
Why the Change is Happening
Over recent years, consumer preferences have shifted significantly toward more natural ingredients. This trend is not confined to health-food aisles; it has permeated the mainstream snack market. PepsiCo's decision to reformulate Lay's is a direct response to this market signal. The company's CEO, Ramon Laguarta, acknowledged this transition and highlighted a proactive move to lead consumer demand for more natural ingredients, just as they have with reductions in sodium and sugar.
Additionally, there has been increasing regulatory scrutiny on artificial food dyes, particularly in the United States. For instance, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has moved toward eliminating certain synthetic dyes. While not yet mandatory, the pressure from officials and activist investors like Elliott Investment Management has raised the stakes for companies like PepsiCo to make voluntary changes. This includes the removal of synthetic colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, among others, that were previously found in some flavored varieties.
The New, Natural Ingredients
So, what will be used instead? In the newly reformulated Lay's chips, natural sources will provide the coloring. These include ingredients like vegetable juice and paprika. This approach ensures that the chips maintain their visual appeal without relying on synthetic petroleum-based dyes. This is not entirely new for the brand, as some flavored options, such as Flamin' Hot, already list natural colorings like vegetable juice and annatto extracts. The upcoming changes will standardize this practice across the entire core product portfolio.
Here is a comparison of typical ingredients before and after the 2025 reformulation:
| Ingredient Category | Old Formulation (Some Flavors) | New Natural Formulation (All Core Products) |
|---|---|---|
| Coloring | Artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 6) | Natural colorings (e.g., vegetable juice, paprika) |
| Flavoring | Artificial flavors | Natural flavors (from spices, yeast, vegetables) |
| Oil (Baked) | Corn oil | Olive oil |
| Oil (Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat) | Vegetable oil mix | Avocado oil |
This table illustrates Lay's commitment to a cleaner label by substituting synthetic components with naturally derived alternatives. The switch extends beyond just dyes to other ingredients like oils in specific product lines, showing a holistic approach to ingredient reform.
Which Products Are Affected?
The 2025 rollout affects all core Lay's products in the U.S., including:
- Standard Lay's Potato Chips
- Lay's Baked
- Lay's Kettle Cooked
- Future product innovations from the Lay's brand
For example, varieties like Barbecue chips, which previously used synthetic colors, are being revamped. The new formula will use paprika for its reddish color. Similarly, other flavored varieties that previously had artificial dyes will be reformulated with natural alternatives. However, it's worth noting that some classic or plain varieties have been made without artificial colors for some time. The change simply standardizes this across the entire core brand.
Reading the Labels
As the new packages arrive on shelves throughout 2025, consumers will need to check the labels to confirm the transition is complete for their specific purchase. The new packaging also features a refreshed design with a wood-paneled backdrop and new logo, intended to highlight the use of real, farm-grown potatoes. Once you see the new visual identity, you can be confident the product meets the new ingredient standard.
Conclusion
The answer to "Do Lay's chips have dyes?" has evolved. While some flavored varieties previously contained artificial dyes, the brand is undergoing a complete overhaul to eliminate all synthetic colors and flavors by the end of 2025. The shift is driven by consumer demand and regulatory considerations, resulting in a cleaner, more natural ingredient profile for all core Lay's products. For consumers, this means a more naturally sourced and transparent snacking experience. The ingredient lists and packaging will reflect these significant changes, providing an easy way for shoppers to verify the shift for themselves.
For more detailed information on the company's changes, you can read the report from Bloomberg on the brand's revamp.
