Simply Cheetos vs. Standard Cheetos: The Coloring Difference
For consumers concerned about artificial food dyes, differentiating between the standard bright orange Cheetos and the more recent 'Simply' variety is crucial. The most significant difference lies in their ingredient lists, specifically regarding food coloring. While traditional Cheetos are famous for their vibrant color derived from artificial sources, the Simply line is specifically marketed as a cleaner, dye-free alternative.
The Ingredients of Simply Cheetos
Simply Cheetos, such as the White Cheddar Puffs, rely on naturally derived ingredients for their color and flavor. A look at the ingredient list reveals a straightforward formula:
- Enriched Corn Meal (Corn Meal, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
- Sunflower Oil
- Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Sea Salt
- Corn Maltodextrin
- Natural Flavors
- Sour Cream (Cultured Cream, Skim Milk)
- Torula Yeast
- Lactic Acid
- Citric Acid
This list notably lacks any mention of artificial colors, including Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) or Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow), which are often used in brightly colored cheese snacks. Instead, the product's hue comes from the natural color of the real cheddar cheese and whey ingredients.
Why Traditional Cheetos Use Red Dye 40 (or Yellow 6)
In contrast, standard Cheetos products, such as the Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks, utilize artificial colorings to achieve their iconic neon orange hue. Ingredients commonly found in these versions include artificial color (Yellow 6), along with other artificial flavorings. While Red Dye 40 is frequently used in snack foods for a crimson red color, it is Yellow 6 that is the primary color additive for traditional orange Cheetos. This stark difference is the main reason shoppers concerned about synthetic additives seek out the 'Simply' product line.
Comparison of Simply Cheetos and Traditional Cheetos
| Feature | Simply Cheetos (e.g., White Cheddar Puffs) | Traditional Cheetos (e.g., Crunchy Cheese) |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Colors | None | Contains Yellow 6 and sometimes Yellow 5 |
| Artificial Flavors | None | Contains Artificial Flavors |
| Color Source | Natural colors from real cheese and whey | Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum |
| Oil Used | Often uses sunflower oil | Often uses corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil |
| Appearance | Typically a white or off-white color | Iconic bright, vibrant orange color |
| Allergen Info | Contains milk ingredients | Contains milk ingredients |
The 'Simply' Label Explained
The 'Simply' designation by Frito-Lay is not just a marketing ploy; it represents a commitment to offering products free from artificial flavors and colors. This was a direct response to a growing consumer demand for cleaner labels and more natural ingredients in snack foods. The Simply line extends beyond Cheetos to include other Frito-Lay products, providing a variety of options for ingredient-conscious consumers. The white cheddar flavor of Simply Cheetos is a clear indication of its natural coloring, as opposed to the artificially enhanced orange of the original.
Consumer Considerations for Food Dyes
Health concerns over artificial food dyes are a complex and ongoing debate. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have deemed many artificial dyes, including Red Dye 40 and Yellow 6, safe for consumption within regulated limits. However, some studies and consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns, particularly regarding hyperactivity in sensitive children. While the evidence is debated, the desire to avoid artificial additives remains a significant factor for many families. The Simply Cheetos line offers a straightforward way to address this concern without giving up a familiar snack. For further reading, EWG provides details on foods containing artificial colors and consumer guidance.
What About Simply Organic Cheetos?
It's important to note the existence of 'Simply Organic' Cheetos products, which go a step further. These products are made with organic corn meal and other organic ingredients, alongside the guarantee of no artificial colors or flavors. This provides an even more natural option for those seeking organically sourced foods.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
In conclusion, the question of whether Simply Cheetos contains Red Dye 40 is a simple 'no.' The product line was developed specifically to be free of artificial colors, relying on real cheese for its flavor and appearance. This stands in direct contrast to the artificially-colored, traditional versions of Cheetos. By reading the label and understanding the differences, consumers can make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and ingredient concerns. The existence of both 'Simply' and traditional versions allows Frito-Lay to cater to different segments of the market, offering options for everyone from the ingredient-conscious to the classic Cheetos lover.
Key Takeaways
Ingredient Transparency: Simply Cheetos are made with real cheese and natural ingredients, with the ingredient list explicitly stating 'no artificial colors or flavors added'.
No Red Dye 40: Simply Cheetos specifically do not contain Red Dye 40, Yellow 6, or any other artificial food dyes, as confirmed by official sources.
Visual Difference: The lack of artificial coloring results in Simply Cheetos having a paler, off-white or light orange appearance, unlike the bright orange of traditional Cheetos.
Market Segmentation: The 'Simply' line caters to consumers seeking products with cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients, while classic Cheetos target those who prefer the traditional product.
Informed Choices: By understanding the ingredient differences, consumers can easily choose the product that best aligns with their dietary preferences and concerns regarding artificial food additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Simply snacks free of artificial colors? Yes, the entire 'Simply' product line, including Simply Doritos and other Frito-Lay snacks, is marketed and produced to be free of artificial flavors and colors.
What makes traditional Cheetos orange if Simply Cheetos are white? Traditional Cheetos get their bright orange color from artificial colorings, primarily Yellow 6, which is not used in the Simply line.
Is Simply Cheetos healthier than regular Cheetos? The primary difference is the lack of artificial colors and flavors. Nutritional content, including calories, fat, and sodium, may still be similar, so a full label comparison is recommended for specific dietary needs.
Why do companies use artificial colors like Red Dye 40? Artificial colors are used to make processed foods visually appealing, maintain a consistent color, and offset color loss during processing. They are also generally less expensive than natural colorings.
Where can I find the ingredients for Simply Cheetos? The ingredients are listed on the product packaging, as well as on official websites like Cheetos.com and retailer sites like Target and Kroger.
Are Simply Cheetos vegetarian? Yes, Simply Cheetos, specifically the White Cheddar Puffs, are listed as vegetarian-friendly and made with real cheese.
Do all Cheetos products contain artificial colors? No, only the traditional, artificially colored Cheetos products do. The 'Simply' and 'Simply Organic' lines are made without artificial colors.
