For decades, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos have been instantly recognizable by their bright red coating that inevitably coats and stains your fingers. (Unless you’re one of those hip people who use chopsticks for their chips.)
The fire red color lets you know that you’re in for a spicy treat that might have you reaching for some milk, depending on your tolerance.
But this woman was devastated to find out that what makes this Cheeto flavor so iconic is now missing. The realization made her do a double-take.
Why Aren’t These Hot Cheetos Red?
In a viral video with more than 7.8 million views, content creator Yadira Perez (@yadiraparraa) shared her shock after learning that some Hot Cheetos are no longer bright red.
“I get on TikTok and see hot Cheetos are no longer red… excuse me…!!!???” she said in the text overlay on the video.
The footage shows Perez looking visibly distraught as she processes the news.
The Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are indeed getting a makeover that’ll opt for a more natural appearance. And the difference is stark.
“Like i know it’s good for our health but i know it’s not going to taste the same,” Perez wrote in the caption.
In an Instagram direct message, Perez told BroBible that she “grew up” on Hot Cheetos, which is why she felt the need to react to the major change in a TikTok. “I honestly didn’t expect it to get that much attention,” she said of her video.
Are Red Hot Cheetos Really Going Away?
Red Hot Cheetos aren’t actually disappearing. But they are getting a makeover. However, the makeover is completely optional. The traditional red version will still be available on shelves.
See, earlier in the month PepsiCo announced the launch of Simply NKD versions of Cheetos and Doritos, which will remove artificial colors and flavors ABC News reported.
The chips in this new line will be the following:
- Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs
- Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot
- Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese
- Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch.
Without Red 40 and other artificial dyes, these snacks will look dramatically different. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos will go from traffic-light red to a subdued orange-brown.
“Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged. NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand,” said Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement.
Despite the dramatic visual change, they’re supposed to taste virtually the same.
The Takeout conducted blind taste tests and found that even devoted fans couldn’t tell the difference between the original and Simply NKD versions.
One tester guessed correctly on only one out of four products and admitted it was a lucky 50/50 guess.
What Is Red 40, And Why Is It Controversial?
Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum, and it’s one of the most-used color additives in the U.S., Healthline reports.
While the FDA, EPA, and World Health Organization consider it safe for most people at normal consumption levels, public concern has grown around synthetic dyes, pushing companies to offer cleaner alternatives. While there are no definitive studies, concerns are primarily linked to increased hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
Some studies suggest possible connections to allergies and migraines, but the evidence remains mixed.
Commenters React
“But they taste the same amiga,” a top comment read.
“I know it’s bad, but i’d feel trick as a kid if i was given these new hot cheetos,” a person said.
“You mean I can FINALLY eat hot Cheetos again? red 40, will always be a no. Health is wealth yall,” another added.
“As long as they taste the same i don’t care tbh,” a commenter said.
@yadiraparraa Like i know it’s good for our health but i know it’s not going to taste the same 😭😔#foryouu #hotcheetos #fypシ #wxyz #viral
BroBible reached out to Frito-Lay via email.