Historically, the answer is yes
For decades, the distinctive, vibrant orange color of Cheetos was created with the help of artificial food dyes, and Yellow 6 was a primary component. Ingredient lists for many traditional U.S. Cheetos varieties, including the classic Crunchy and Flamin' Hot, explicitly named "Artificial Color (Yellow 6)" or its variants. This reliance on synthetic dyes is common practice in the food industry to achieve consistent, appealing colors that natural ingredients can't always replicate reliably or affordably. The use of Yellow 6, also known by its European designation E110 or its chemical name Sunset Yellow FCF, was regulated and certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food products.
The Cheetos color controversy: US vs. the world
The use of artificial colors in Cheetos has long been a point of comparison between the U.S. market and other countries, where food additive regulations are often stricter. For instance, Cheetos sold in the UK and other European markets for years have been colored with natural alternatives like paprika extract, rather than synthetic dyes. This has led to noticeable differences in both the ingredient list and the visual appearance of the snack, with the European versions often having a less intense, more muted orange hue. This disparity highlighted how companies like PepsiCo adapted their recipes to meet different regional food safety standards and consumer preferences. The fact that the same product could be made without artificial colors elsewhere fueled the debate and pressure on U.S. manufacturers to make similar changes.
The shift towards natural coloring
In a significant development, parent company PepsiCo announced plans to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from its popular snack brands, including Cheetos, in the U.S. by the end of 2025. This move is a direct response to evolving consumer preferences for simpler, more natural ingredient lists, and it coincides with recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiatives targeting the use of petroleum-based food dyes. The company is exploring and testing various natural sources, such as paprika and turmeric, to replicate the iconic Cheetos color and flavor profile. The transition may result in a slightly different-looking snack, but PepsiCo is working to ensure the core Cheetos experience remains consistent. This change follows the trend of major food corporations reformulating products to align with clean label demands, a movement that has seen similar changes in other popular snacks and beverages.
Yellow 6 and health concerns
While the FDA has historically deemed Yellow 6 safe for consumption at approved levels, some studies and advocacy groups have raised concerns. These potential issues include:
- Allergic reactions: A small percentage of individuals, particularly those with aspirin sensitivities or asthma, may experience hypersensitivity reactions to Yellow 6, including hives or swelling.
- Behavioral effects: Some research, including a 2020 report from California's Environmental Protection Agency, has associated synthetic food dyes with behavioral issues like hyperactivity and restlessness in some children, though a clear cause-and-effect relationship remains inconclusive.
- Cancerous contaminants: Industry-sponsored animal tests have indicated that Yellow 6 can cause tumors in the adrenal gland and kidney. Traces of the potential carcinogen benzidine may also contaminate the dye, though the FDA has deemed the levels to be of low risk.
Comparison: Old vs. New Cheetos
The change in ingredients will result in several key differences between the traditional and upcoming versions of Cheetos. Here is a quick comparison of the two formulations:
| Feature | Original U.S. Cheetos Recipe | Upcoming U.S. Cheetos Recipe (Late 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Coloring | Artificial color, including Yellow 6 | Natural colorants (e.g., paprika extract) |
| Color Vibrancy | Known for a bright, consistent orange hue | Potentially more muted or variable in color |
| Flavor | Used to feature natural and artificial flavors | Moving towards only natural flavors |
| Allergen Info | Contained milk ingredients | Will likely continue to contain milk, but ingredient specifics may vary |
| Health Reputation | Concerns raised over synthetic additives | Seen as a 'cleaner' label, aligning with modern preferences |
How Cheetos are made without Yellow 6
The process of reformulating Cheetos to use natural colors is a complex one. Food scientists at PepsiCo have been tasked with finding natural alternatives that not only provide the desired color but also stand up to the manufacturing process without compromising the product's flavor or shelf stability. Ingredients like paprika, turmeric, and beet juice are all being explored as potential replacements. Paprika extract, already used in other markets, is a strong candidate for providing the orange color, while beets and other vegetables could potentially create the red shade needed for Flamin' Hot varieties. The challenge lies in creating a consistent, appealing visual that consumers will recognize while using ingredients that can be sensitive to heat, light, and other environmental factors.
Conclusion
Yes, for many years, the answer to "Does Cheetos have Yellow 6?" was a definitive yes, particularly for U.S. consumers. However, due to evolving consumer expectations, mounting regulatory pressure, and concerns over synthetic additives, PepsiCo is actively reformulating its Cheetos products to remove artificial colors, including Yellow 6. By the end of 2025, U.S. Cheetos will transition to using natural colorings from sources like paprika, aligning them with versions already available in other parts of the world. While the iconic snack's appearance may shift slightly, the move reflects a broader industry trend towards more transparent and 'cleaner' ingredient lists. Consumers are encouraged to always check the ingredient label for the most up-to-date information on the product they are purchasing.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: Synthetic food dyes: A rainbow of risks
