Do Simply Doritos Have Red Dye 40?

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

In recent years, many consumers have become more ingredient-conscious, with a growing number of people actively trying to avoid artificial food dyes. This has led to frequent questions, including, "Do Simply Doritos have red dye 40?" The good news for dye-conscious snackers is that Simply Doritos are specifically formulated without artificial colors, including the notorious Red Dye 40.

Quick Summary

Simply Doritos do not contain Red Dye 40 or other artificial colors, a key distinction from their conventionally flavored counterparts. They use natural sources for coloring and flavor, aligning with Frito-Lay's commitment to simpler, cleaner ingredients in this particular snack line. This is a popular option for people seeking alternatives to synthetic additives.

Key Points

No Artificial Colors: Simply Doritos are formulated without artificial colors, including Red Dye 40.
Natural Coloring: The color in Simply Doritos, such as Organic White Cheddar, comes from natural ingredients like organic tomato powder and spices.
Clear Differentiation: Unlike traditional Doritos which contain synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, the Simply line uses a simpler, cleaner ingredient list.
Consumer Demand: The Simply product line was created by Frito-Lay in response to growing consumer interest in products without artificial flavors or colors.
Easy Identification: Look for the 'Simply' label on the bag to ensure you are purchasing the artificial dye-free version.
Health Concerns: Avoiding Red Dye 40 is a priority for some, particularly parents concerned about the potential link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children.

A Closer Look at Simply Doritos Ingredients

Unlike the brightly colored, mainstream versions, Simply Doritos are a Frito-Lay product line created with a focus on simple, recognizable ingredients and natural flavors. The primary Simply Doritos flavor available is White Cheddar, which gets its color and flavor from real cheese and organic spices rather than synthetic additives. According to Frito-Lay and ingredient lists from various retailers, the seasoning is made with ingredients like organic cheddar cheese, organic tomato powder, organic onion powder, and organic spices. The distinct yellow-orange hue comes from natural sources like paprika extract and turmeric, not Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, or Yellow 6.

The Difference: Simply vs. Traditional Doritos

One of the most significant differences between the Simply line and traditional Doritos lies in their color and flavor composition. Regular Nacho Cheese Doritos, for instance, famously contain a mix of artificial colors to achieve their iconic orange shade, including Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. The Simply product line was developed specifically to meet the demand from consumers looking for cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients. This makes them a suitable alternative for those sensitive to or wishing to avoid synthetic food dyes, a common concern for parents of hyperactive children or individuals with specific sensitivities.

Why Avoid Red Dye 40?

While approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for consumption within specific limits, Red Dye 40 remains a controversial food additive. Concerns arise from studies linking it to potential health issues, particularly behavioral problems in some children. Research has explored connections between artificial food dyes and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with some studies indicating that removing these dyes can lead to behavioral improvements in sensitive individuals. Some European countries even require warning labels on products containing these synthetic colorants. Animal studies have also raised concerns about inflammation and potential DNA damage, although more human research is needed. This combination of factors has prompted many to seek out dye-free alternatives for their families.

Comparison Table: Simply vs. Traditional Doritos (Nacho Cheese)


Feature	Simply Doritos (Organic White Cheddar)	Traditional Doritos (Nacho Cheese)
Artificial Colors	No (Uses colors from organic spices)	Yes (Includes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
Flavors	Natural flavors from organic ingredients	Natural and artificial flavors
Main Ingredients	Organic Corn, Organic Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil	Whole Corn, Vegetable Oil, Maltodextrin
Allergens	Contains Milk	Contains Milk

Naturally Colored Snack Alternatives

For those committed to avoiding Red Dye 40 and other artificial colorants, a variety of snack alternatives exist. These options use natural sources like fruit and vegetable extracts to achieve their color and are often found in the organic or natural foods section of grocery stores.

Other Simply Snacks: Frito-Lay's "Simply" line includes Cheetos and Smartfood popcorn, which also forgo artificial colors.
Annie's Homegrown: Many products, including crackers and fruit snacks, use natural colorings from plants like purple carrots and beets.
Terra Veggie Chips: These offer a colorful and crunchy alternative, with colors derived naturally from beets, carrots, and other vegetables.
Bare Snacks: These provide simple, baked fruit chips with no added artificial colors.
Homemade Snacks: Preparing snacks from scratch, such as baked kale chips or homemade fruit leathers, gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In conclusion, consumers can be confident that Simply Doritos do not contain Red Dye 40. The product line was designed to offer a snack with a cleaner ingredient profile, using organic spices and natural flavors for its color and taste. This distinguishes them from conventional Doritos, which do use artificial color additives. For anyone looking to reduce or eliminate synthetic food dyes from their diet, Simply Doritos are a readily available alternative. By reading ingredient labels carefully and exploring other naturally colored snack options, individuals can make more informed choices about the products they consume and choose what aligns best with their dietary preferences and health goals. For further information on food additives, consult authoritative sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Doritos flavors contain red dye. While many conventional flavors like Nacho Cheese do contain artificial dyes such as Red 40, the 'Simply' line of Doritos is specifically made without them.

The main difference is the ingredient list. Simply Doritos use organic and natural ingredients for flavoring and coloring, while regular Doritos use a combination of natural and artificial flavors and colors.

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It is used to give a vibrant red color to processed foods, beverages, and other products.

Yes, Frito-Lay offers a range of other snacks under its 'Simply' banner that are made without artificial colors, including Simply Cheetos and Simply Smartfood.

Natural alternatives for red coloring include beet juice, paprika extract, annatto, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus powder.

While the U.S. FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, some countries in the European Union require warning labels on products containing it, and some have banned similar food dyes due to health concerns.

You should check the ingredient list for 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' or 'Allura Red AC'. Products from organic lines, like Simply, generally do not contain these dyes.