Do Simply Cheetos have dye?

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer Frito-Lay, Simply snacks were introduced in 2013 to provide options with simpler ingredients. This includes the popular question, "Do Simply Cheetos have dye?" The short answer is no, Simply Cheetos do not contain artificial dyes or colors, unlike their traditionally bright orange counterparts.

Quick Summary

Simply Cheetos are made without artificial colors or dyes, relying on natural ingredients like real white cheddar cheese for their lighter, less vibrant color. This sets them apart from classic Cheetos, which use artificial colors such as Yellow 6. This formulation appeals to consumers seeking snacks with fewer artificial additives.

Key Points

No Artificial Colors: Simply Cheetos are made without any artificial dyes, unlike traditional Cheetos which use ingredients like Yellow 6 for their vibrant color.
Color from Natural Ingredients: The light, off-white color of Simply Cheetos is derived naturally from the real cheddar cheese and other ingredients in their seasoning.
Cleaner Label: The Simply line was developed to appeal to consumers seeking snacks with fewer artificial additives and more transparent ingredient lists.
Still a Processed Snack: Despite having simpler ingredients, Simply Cheetos are still a processed snack food high in sodium and fat, and should be consumed in moderation.
Appeals to Specific Consumers: The dye-free formulation addresses concerns of consumers and parents who wish to limit their intake of synthetic food colorings.
Not a Health Food: The absence of dye doesn't make Simply Cheetos a "health food"; they remain a treat and not a nutritious staple.
Flavor from Real Cheese: The cheese flavor in Simply Cheetos comes from real dairy products, enhanced by natural flavors, providing a different taste experience than classic Cheetos.

The Core Difference: Artificial vs. Natural

The fundamental distinction between Simply Cheetos and classic Cheetos lies in their coloring. While the iconic bright orange hue of traditional Cheetos is achieved with artificial dyes like Yellow 6, the Simply line is specifically formulated without any synthetic colors. Instead, Simply Cheetos, such as the white cheddar variety, derive their color exclusively from natural sources, primarily the real cheese used in their seasoning.

How Do Simply Cheetos Get Their Color?

Simply Cheetos get their color from the real cheese and other natural ingredients in their seasoning, such as whey. This gives them a less vibrant, more natural white-to-light-yellow appearance. This approach aligns with the demand for snacks containing fewer artificial additives.

Ingredients Breakdown: Simply vs. Classic Cheetos

Comparing the ingredient lists side-by-side reveals the key differences.


Ingredient Category	Simply Cheetos (White Cheddar)	Classic Cheetos (Crunchy)
Core Meal	Enriched corn meal	Enriched corn meal
Oil	Sunflower oil	Corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil
Coloring	No artificial colors	Artificial color (Yellow 6)
Cheese	Cheddar cheese, whey, sour cream	Cheddar cheese, whey
Flavors	Natural flavors	Natural and artificial flavors
Other	Sea salt, corn maltodextrin, torula yeast, lactic acid, citric acid	Maltodextrin, MSG, lactic acid, citric acid, salt

This comparison table clearly highlights how the Simply line eliminates artificial colors and flavors in favor of natural alternatives, like sea salt and natural flavors, to achieve its taste profile.

Healthier Choice? A Closer Look

While the removal of artificial dyes and flavors is a step toward a cleaner label, it does not automatically make Simply Cheetos a "health food." Like classic Cheetos, they are processed and relatively high in sodium and fat. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has categorized some Simply Cheetos as "unhealthy ultra-processed food" due to processing and fat content.

Potential Benefits of Avoiding Artificial Dyes

Choosing snacks without artificial colors offers certain benefits, particularly for those sensitive to these additives. Concerns about the effects of synthetic dyes have been raised for decades.

Some studies suggest a link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children.
Individuals with sensitivities or allergies may react adversely, though severe allergies are rare.
Choosing naturally colored foods aligns with a preference for more natural, less processed ingredients.

A Conscientious Snacking Option

Simply Cheetos are a viable alternative for those looking to reduce artificial ingredients in their snacks. However, they should be consumed in moderation as a treat, not a dietary staple. Their main benefit is the absence of synthetic colors, addressing a specific consumer concern without changing the fundamental nature of the product as a processed food.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The answer to "Do Simply Cheetos have dye?" is no. Frito-Lay's Simply line avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, using real cheese and other natural ingredients for a milder color and flavor. While a better option for those avoiding synthetic additives, they remain a processed snack to be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

For Further Reading

For more information on food additives and colorings, the FDA's official page on Color Additives is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the ingredient list. Simply Cheetos are made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, getting their color from natural ingredients like real cheese. Regular Cheetos, conversely, use artificial dyes like Yellow 6 for their bright orange color and also contain artificial flavors.

No, Simply Cheetos do not contain the artificial color Yellow 6. This dye is used in traditional Cheetos to give them their well-known orange hue, but the Simply line is specifically formulated without it.

Simply Cheetos have a cleaner ingredient list due to the absence of artificial dyes and flavors. However, they are still a processed snack high in fat and sodium. While they may be a better option for those avoiding artificial additives, they are not a health food and should be consumed in moderation.

The packaging for Simply Cheetos explicitly states that they are made with "No artificial colors or flavors." You can also check the ingredient list, which will confirm the absence of synthetic dyes.

Simply Cheetos, particularly the White Cheddar variety, get their color from real cheddar cheese and other natural ingredients like whey, resulting in a pale, off-white appearance. The color is not a uniform bright white but reflects the natural color of the ingredients used.

According to some product listings, the Simply Cheetos line is non-GMO. However, it is always best to check the specific product packaging, as ingredient standards can vary. The focus of the Simply line is primarily on the absence of artificial colors and flavors.

Yes, Frito-Lay's Simply line is defined by its commitment to using no artificial colors or flavors across all its products, including Simply Cheetos, Tostitos, and Doritos.