PepsiCo Group’s historic snack brand will be forced to change its recipe after 30 years to avoid FDA ban

Under pressure from the White House, the Coca-Cola Company has decided to change the recipe used in the classic beverage to include cane sugar instead of corn syrup. The change will impact Coca-Cola sold in the United States, as the company has been using sugar in the product sold in other countries, which, for a long time, had led many to claim that abroad, the soda tasted better.

Now, PepsiCo is announcing a similar move, pledging to remove artificial ingredients from some products within its lineup. On July 17, the company announced various changes that will take effect later this year.

By the end of the year, the company plans to release Cheetos and Doritos without artificial colors and flavors, and also aims to “expand the use of avocado or olive oil” in its products. Altogether, the announcements suggest that the snack giant is working to make its offerings appear healthier to the public, without changing the flavors so drastically that it risks backlash. For example, the company says it will “continue to elevate successful brands such as Sun Chips, which are made with whole grains and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.”

The announcement from PepsiCo follows news from the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration from April, that foreshadowed plans for the federal government to establish "a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives."

The impact of the MAHA movement and the long road ahead

The White House, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a longtime critic of corporate influence in public health and a figure known for promoting controversial views—has recently turned its attention to food safety. Kennedy has long raised concerns about the use of synthetic dyes and preservatives in the U.S. food supply, calling some of them “mass poison to children.” His stance has gained traction following a federal report linking certain additives, like Red Dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide, to behavioral and potential health risks.

This week, Secretary Kennedy announced that he would be working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a labeling system for ultra-processed foods, citing studies that have linked high consumption of these products—including items high in sugar and unhealthy fats, such as potato chips and candy—to adverse health outcomes. The secretary hopes that by labeling these foods, consumers will be better equipped to make healthier choices while shopping.

“Defining ultra-processed foods with a clear, uniform standard will empower us even more to Make America Healthy Again,” wrote Secretary Kennedy on X.

Related stories

U.S. business

Pepsi set for layoffs in Detroit

World

The country you should be thinking about moving to

While some of these concerns are supported by emerging research, public health experts caution that removing harmful additives is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Even if these substances were eliminated, many Americans—especially in low-income and rural areas—still face significant barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Without addressing these broader systemic issues, poor health outcomes linked to diet are likely to persist.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.