VALHALLA, New York – PepsiCo, the company behind popular snacks and drinks, is working to update some of its recipes. They want to use more natural colors in products like Gatorade and Cheetos.
The company, which also makes Doritos and Mountain Dew, announced plans earlier this year to switch to natural colors. About 40% of their products in the U.S. still use artificial dyes.
Finding the right natural colors and getting them approved takes time. PepsiCo wants to make sure the change doesn’t affect the taste or look of the products people enjoy. The company isn’t rushing to meet specific deadlines.
Chris Coleman, a senior director at PepsiCo, said the company won’t release a product that people won’t like. He said it’s important to get the recipe just right.
Switching from artificial to natural colors can take a few years for each product. The company needs to find natural ingredients that last a long time and don’t change the flavor. They also need to make sure they can get enough of these ingredients safely.
Tostitos and Lay’s chips will be among the first to change. Naturally colored chips are expected in stores later this year, with dips following next year.
To get the right colors, PepsiCo is trying out different ingredients. For example, they’re using carob powder to color Tostitos Salsa Verde, instead of artificial dyes. They’re also experimenting with spices like paprika and turmeric to get the bright colors in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Purple sweet potatoes and different carrots are being tested for drinks like Mountain Dew.
According to Damien Browne, a PepsiCo vice president, getting the color right is very important. He said people often recognize products like Gatorade by their color.
PepsiCo started noticing years ago that some shoppers wanted products without artificial colors or flavors. They launched the Simply line of chips in 2002, offering natural versions of products like Doritos.
Amanda Grzeda, a PepsiCo senior director, said that more and more people are interested in ingredients. A recent study showed that over half of the consumers PepsiCo talked to were trying to cut back on artificial dyes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for approving new natural ingredients. The FDA recently approved new natural color additives, including a blue color from algae and gardenia blue.
While some push for quicker changes, others worry about government overreach in food choices. Finding a balance that respects both consumer preferences and individual freedom is key.
PepsiCo wants to make sure customers don’t have to choose between natural colors and the taste and texture they expect.
