Snack Attack: Analyzing the Season's Best Doritos and Cheetos Ads

In the competitive snack market, Doritos and Cheetos have long been creative rivals. Both brands, under PepsiCo, are known for bold advertising campaigns that target younger audiences and pop culture enthusiasts. In 2026, this rivalry reached new heights with the launch of the “Simply NKD – Renaissance of Snacking” campaign, which redefined how consumers perceive these iconic products.

This article explores how Doritos and Cheetos competed in creativity, the strategies they used, the risks they faced, and why this campaign is considered one of the most innovative of the year.

🎨 The “Simply NKD – Renaissance of Snacking” Campaign

• Concept: Present Doritos and Cheetos as “naked masterpieces,” stripped of artificial dyes and flavors.
• Visual Style: Renaissance-inspired art, classical painting aesthetics, museum-style out-of-home (OOH) placements.
• Products: Doritos® and Cheetos® SIMPLY NKD™, made with cleaner ingredients.
• Launch Date: Teased in November 2025, full rollout in December 2025, continuing into 2026.
• Platforms: Instagram grid takeovers, TikTok influencer kits, OOH exhibits, digital ads, and a showcase at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
• Agency: GUT Miami, their first campaign for PepsiCo Foods.

📊 Doritos vs. Cheetos Creative Comparison

BrandCreative AngleStrengthsRisks

Doritos	Bold geometric chips presented as art objects.	Reinforces edgy, daring brand identity.	Risk of alienating fans who love the neon-orange look.
Cheetos	Cheese puffs framed as playful sculptures.	Balances humor with sophistication.	May confuse audiences expecting the classic orange dust.

🔑 Expert Insights

• Cultural Timing: The campaign launched during a wave of “clean label” food trends, aligning with consumer demand for transparency.
• Creative Innovation: By removing color, Doritos and Cheetos flipped expectations—turning absence into the boldest statement.
• Audience Engagement: Influencer kits with tinted glasses challenged fans to taste without visual bias, sparking online conversation.
• Brand Positioning: Doritos leaned into daring artistry, while Cheetos kept its mischievous personality intact.

⚠️ Risks & Trade-Offs

• Identity Shift: Both brands are famous for their bold colors—removing them risks diluting recognition.
• Consumer Confusion: Some fans may perceive “NKD” snacks as less fun or visually appealing.
• Execution Challenge: High-concept art campaigns can feel pretentious if not balanced with humor.

Extended Analysis: Historical Lineage

• 1980s–1990s: Doritos and Cheetos solidified their identities with traditional TV ads.
• 2000s: Doritos leaned into absurd humor in Super Bowl ads; Cheetos reinforced its quirky mascot Chester Cheetah.
• 2010s: Both brands adapted to social media, experimenting with interactive campaigns and memes.
• 2020s: Nostalgia and the push for natural ingredients reshaped snack advertising.
• 2026: The “Simply NKD” campaign is remembered as a turning point in creative snack branding.

📈 Consumer Reception

• Social Media Buzz: Millions of interactions on TikTok and Instagram, with users recreating Renaissance scenes using snacks.
• Sales Impact: Significant boost in sales of the SIMPLY NKD line during Q1 2026.
• Cultural Conversation: The campaign was discussed in marketing and art forums, praised as an innovative branding move.

✅ Conclusion

In 2026, the Doritos vs. Cheetos rivalry wasn’t about flavor—it was about creativity. The “Simply NKD – Renaissance of Snacking” campaign turned these snacks into art, redefining their identities and surprising consumers. Doritos leaned into bold artistry, while Cheetos balanced humor with sophistication. Together, they delivered one of the most talked-about and creative snack ad campaigns of the year.

🎥 Watch the Campaign on YouTube

• Doritos & Cheetos Simply NKD Hero Film (2025/2026): 

  
  

• Doritos Renaissance Ad Spot: 

  
  

• Cheetos NKD Campaign Film 

• Behind the Scenes: GUT Miami Creative Process: 

  
  

• Las Vegas Sphere Showcase Clip: 

  
  

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