PepsiCo is accelerating its move away from synthetic additives, with CEO Ramon Laguarta announcing a stronger push toward natural ingredients in its snack products. The shift comes amid rising consumer demand and regulatory pressure urging food companies to eliminate artificial colors.
Speaking during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, Laguarta said PepsiCo aims to offer natural color alternatives across its entire snack portfolio—featuring brands like Cheetos and Doritos—within the next few years. “Every consumer will have the opportunity to choose what they prefer,” he noted, while emphasizing that the current products remain safe and backed by science.
The move aligns with increasing calls from public health authorities for voluntary removal or substitution of synthetic colors in food before the end of 2026. While PepsiCo has already introduced some naturally colored products, such as Simply Ruffles Hot & Spicy, which uses tomato powder and red chili instead of artificial dyes, the challenge of replacing synthetic ingredients remains. Natural alternatives often pose difficulties in achieving consistent coloration and may not meet consumer expectations.
Despite these hurdles, the trend toward cleaner labels is gaining traction. In March, McCormick CEO Brendan Foley reported a rise in reformulation efforts by both restaurants and food manufacturers in response to growing scrutiny of synthetic dyes.
Although a full regulatory ban is considered unlikely by some industry analysts, the momentum for reform is building. Companies appear to be acting preemptively as uncertainty looms over future food ingredient policies.
PepsiCo’s shift reflects broader industry dynamics where health-conscious consumers and advocacy from public institutions are reshaping how everyday snacks are made—and marketed.