For many people, a favorite childhood snack is tied to memory as much as taste. The flavor, color, and even the packaging can instantly evoke nostalgia. That’s why recipe changes, especially to iconic products, often spark strong reactions among longtime fans.
Food manufacturers periodically adjust ingredients and formulations for various reasons, including sourcing availability, evolving consumer preferences, and compliance with changing regulations across global markets. In most cases, brands aim to preserve the core taste and experience that consumers expect.
Now, Takis, the rolled tortilla chip brand known for its bold flavors and intense heat, is making one of its most significant product updates to date.
Takis is removing artificial colors and TBHQ from its products
Takis revealed it is removing artificial colors and TBHQ from its entire product portfolio as part of a phased reformulation effort already underway. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to a company announcement.
The initiative includes Takis’ most popular varieties, such as Takis Fuego and Takis Blue Heat. Some newer products, including Takis Pix, Xtreme Lime, and Jalapeño, were developed without artificial colors and will continue to use those formulations.
Updated products are currently rolling out at Walmart and other retailers nationwide. Consumers can identify reformulated versions through a “No Artificial Colors Added” label displayed on the front of the packaging.
During the transition period, both the original and reformulated versions may appear on shelves as retailers work through existing inventory.
Takis originated in Mexico in 1999 under the snack company Barcel and were initially launched as Taquis before being renamed in 2004. The brand entered the U.S. market in 2006 through Barcel USA and has since expanded internationally.
Why Takis is changing its recipe
The reformulation reflects broader shifts happening in the food industry as manufacturers respond to changing consumer preferences and increased attention on food ingredients.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced measures to encourage the phaseout of six petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply, with a voluntary target deadline set for 2027.
Several major food manufacturers have since announced plans to reduce or eliminate synthetic dyes across portions of their portfolios.
Takis is also removing TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a synthetic antioxidant commonly used in processed foods to help preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and maintain color and flavor stability.
According to FDA regulations, TBHQ use in food is limited to no more than 0.02% of oils and fats used in a product. The limit reflects approved usage standards rather than evidence that higher amounts are harmful.
“Moving to no artificial colors added and no TBHQ represents an important milestone for the brand,” said Barcel USA Senior Director of Marketing Sandra Kirkpatrick.
“It reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving expectations of today’s consumers while continuing to deliver the intensity Takis is known for.”
The company has not indicated whether the reformulation will affect pricing or manufacturing costs.
Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
What the changes could mean for Takis
Recipe changes made by established brands often attract close consumer attention, particularly when products have built loyalty around familiar taste and texture.
In recent years, social media users speculated that Takis products tasted and looked different, with some consumers attributing the perceived change to reformulation while others reported no noticeable difference.
Takis previously responded to those concerns in 2023, stating that its core recipe had not undergone significant changes.
“There have been no significant changes to the Takis recipe or formula. We pride ourselves on delivering the same great taste and quality that our customers have come to expect from us,” the company said in a statement previously published on its website, Every Last Recipe reported.
As Takis rolls out its updated formulations, maintaining consistency in flavor and product experience will likely remain a priority as consumers compare the new products with earlier versions.
Here’s some of my previous coverage of food news:
- McDonald’s brings back a fan favorite after 34 years
- Taco Bell brings back cult-favorite menu item after 13 years
- Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Luckin embrace non-coffee products
Despite broader industry changes and ongoing reformulation efforts, parent company Grupo Bimbo (BMBOY) continues to report revenue growth.
According to Grupo Bimbo’s first quarter of fiscal 2026 earnings:
- Net sales increased 4.8% year over year.
- North America net sales rose 0.7%.
- North America represents 43.4% of total company revenue.
Grupo Bimbo does not separately disclose financial results for Barcel. However, company leadership said snack brands continue to perform well in Mexico and are expanding in the U.S. while operational efficiencies remain a focus, according to the company’s latest earnings call.
“Growth was broad-based across regions, with particularly strong momentum in North America and Mexico,” said Grupo Bimbo CEO Alejandro Rodriguez Bas in a statement on the company’s earnings report.
“We are seeing encouraging signs of improving underlying demand, supported by disciplined execution, continued investment in our brands, and the contribution from recent acquisitions.”
Related: Convenience store giant sells stores, exits market
