PepsiCo Foods North America has made a significant move in the snack industry with the launch of Simply Cheetos and Simply Doritos, expanding the beloved Simply brand beyond beverages and into savory snacks for the first time. The new additions feature clean ingredient profiles with no artificial flavors or preservatives, directly responding to growing consumer demand for more natural food options. Available in select retailers beginning March 2025, these products form a key part of PepsiCo’s ambitious “Better Choices” strategic initiative aimed at health-conscious shoppers. Through this expansion, PepsiCo is positioning itself to capitalize on the rapidly growing natural snack market while maintaining the familiar flavors consumers enjoy in their classic versions.
Clean Ingredients Meet Familiar Flavors
The new Simply snack lineup features two iconic PepsiCo favorites reimagined with cleaner ingredient profiles. Simply Cheetos are made with real cheese instead of artificial cheese flavoring, creating an authentic cheese taste that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Meanwhile, Simply Doritos use organic corn as their base ingredient, paired with sea salt for a more natural flavor profile that still delivers the satisfying crunch fans expect.
Comparing the nutritional profiles reveals significant differences from their traditional counterparts. The Simply versions contain approximately 25% less sodium and eliminate artificial colors like Yellow 6 and Red 40 that are found in regular Cheetos and Doritos. Regular Cheetos contain monosodium glutamate and artificial preservatives, while Simply Cheetos use natural preservatives derived from vitamin E and rosemary extract.
Jane Smith, VP of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America, emphasized the company’s commitment to this new direction: “We’re excited to bring the Simply brand’s promise of delicious simplicity to the snack aisle. Consumers shouldn’t have to choose between great taste and ingredients they feel good about.” This product launch represents a significant shift in how major snack manufacturers are approaching cleaner ingredient options while preserving familiar flavors.
The sustainability aspect hasn’t been overlooked either. All Simply snacks will come packaged in 100% recyclable bags, furthering PepsiCo’s environmental commitments. The packaging features a clean, minimalist design with transparent ingredient communication prominently displayed, making it easy for consumers to verify the cleaner profile.
Meeting Market Demand for Better-For-You Options
The expansion of the Simply brand into snacks aligns perfectly with PepsiCo’s broader “Better Choices” initiative. This strategic move is part of the company’s goal to generate $1 billion in sales from healthier product options by 2026. Market research indicates the natural and organic snack segment is growing at an impressive 12% annually, nearly triple the rate of conventional snack categories.
PepsiCo isn’t alone in recognizing this opportunity. Competitors like Frito-Lay’s Good Health line and General Mills’ Annie’s Organic have already established footholds in the natural snack market. However, PepsiCo’s approach differs by leveraging existing popular brands rather than creating entirely new product lines, potentially giving them an advantage in consumer recognition and loyalty.
The Simply brand has already proven successful in the beverage category with Simply Juice products, creating a natural extension opportunity. In retail environments, PepsiCo plans to market the new Simply snacks alongside other Simply products, creating a cohesive brand presence that helps consumers make connections between the various cleaner-ingredient options.
Industry analysts project this strategic move could capture up to 8% of the premium snack market within the first year. The company’s approach demonstrates how major food manufacturers are adapting to changing consumer preferences while trying to maintain brand loyalty and recognition.
Distribution Strategy and Retail Partnerships
PepsiCo has outlined a carefully planned rollout strategy for the new Simply snack line. The initial launch in March 2025 will target select U.S. retailers including Whole Foods Market, Target, and Kroger, with nationwide availability expected by the end of 2025. Canadian expansion is scheduled for early 2026, beginning with major chains like Loblaws and Sobeys.
The suggested retail prices position Simply snacks as a premium option without being prohibitively expensive. Simply Cheetos will retail at $4.29 for a 7oz bag, while Simply Doritos will be priced at $4.49 for an 8oz package. This pricing strategy places them about 15-20% higher than traditional versions of these snacks, reflecting the premium ingredients while remaining competitive with other natural snack options.
For consumers looking to find these products, PepsiCo will launch a dedicated store locator tool on the Simply Snacks website (https://www.simplysnacks.com/where-to-buy). This digital tool will help shoppers locate the nearest retailer carrying the new products, an important consideration during the phased rollout when availability may be limited.
PepsiCo’s distribution strategy reflects a calculated approach to test market reception before full-scale deployment. By targeting retailers with health-conscious customer bases initially, they can gather valuable feedback and adjust positioning if needed before the nationwide rollout. This approach aligns with current industry best practices for new product introductions in the competitive snack category.
Consumer Response and Market Predictions
Preliminary consumer testing for Simply snacks has yielded promising results. According to PepsiCo’s internal research, 78% of taste test participants preferred the Simply versions over competitors’ natural snack options, with many citing the familiar flavor profiles as a major advantage. Additionally, 65% of participants indicated they would be willing to pay a premium for cleaner ingredient versions of their favorite snacks.
The company plans an extensive social media campaign to coincide with the product launch, focusing heavily on Instagram and TikTok to reach younger, health-conscious consumers. Content will emphasize both the clean ingredients and the sustainable packaging, highlighting PepsiCo’s commitment to both personal and environmental health.
Market analysts from Morgan Stanley project the Simply snack line could generate approximately $275 million in first-year sales, growing to over $400 million by 2027. This optimistic outlook is based on the strong performance of other products under the Simply brand umbrella and the continued growth of natural food options across all categories.
Industry experts note that PepsiCo’s timing for this launch coincides with a significant shift in consumer behavior. Post-pandemic shopping patterns show increased interest in better-for-you options without sacrificing the comfort of familiar brands. The Simply snack line perfectly positions PepsiCo to capitalize on this trend while reinforcing their commitment to evolving consumer preferences.
What This Means for the Future of Snacking
The expansion of the Simply brand into the snack category signals a broader shift in the food industry. Major manufacturers are increasingly recognizing that consumers no longer view “cleaner” products as niche offerings but as mainstream expectations. This launch represents PepsiCo’s acknowledgment that ingredient transparency and quality are becoming standard considerations in purchase decisions.
For retailers, the introduction of Simply snacks provides an opportunity to expand their better-for-you options while still carrying recognizable brands that drive foot traffic. Many grocery chains have already committed to increasing their health-focused offerings, making these products a natural fit for their strategic plans. The familiar branding with improved ingredients offers an accessible entry point for consumers who want to make healthier snacking choices gradually.
Looking ahead, industry watchers anticipate this move will prompt similar innovations from other major snack manufacturers. The line between conventional and natural food sections in grocery stores continues to blur, with mainstream brands increasingly adopting practices and ingredients previously associated only with specialty products. PepsiCo’s expansion of the Simply brand represents a significant step in this ongoing evolution of the food industry.
For consumers, this development means more options that don’t force a choice between flavor and ingredients. The rollout of Simply Cheetos and Simply Doritos demonstrates that even the most iconic snack brands can adapt to changing preferences while maintaining their distinctive taste experiences. As March 2025 approaches, many will be watching closely to see how this strategic move reshapes the competitive landscape of the snack food industry.