Pizza Hut, Taco Bell Are Going 'Natural': Fast-Food Companies Ditching Artificial Colors, Flavoring

Pizza Hut and Taco Bell have jumped on the new health craze that many other fast food joints are all about: they're going "natural."

The companies announced that they're ditching artificial colors and flavoring for more healthy alternatives.

For instance, instead of "black pepper flavor" Taco Bell will likely start using actual pepper in its seasoned beef or its nacho cheese will no longer be colored with Yellow No. 6, according to NBC News. They will also be removing trans fats and high-fructose corn syrups from most of what's on the menu come end of the year.

Pizza Hut has been working to change the past year, looking at healthier ingredients meanwhile trying to make sure that flavor is not compromised, according to the company.

"Today's consumer more than ever before wants to understand the ingredients that make up the foods that they enjoy," Pizza Hut CEO David Gibbs said in a company statement.

Other chains are also moving in a similar direction, according to USA Today. Panera Bread announced that over 150 artificial ingredients would be removed from its menu, while Chipotle said it has almost removed all of its genetically modified ingredients.

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