Walmart has announced plans to eliminate 11 synthetic dyes and 30 additional ingredients, including preservatives, substitutes, and sweeteners, from its private food brands by January 2027. The changes are set to begin in the coming months, affecting products under labels such as Great Value and Marketside.
“We’re removing synthetic dyes and 30 other ingredients from all Walmart private brand food items – putting our customers at the heart of every bite,” the company stated. The move follows a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services directive in April, where Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to phase out eight artificial dyes from medications and the national food supply by 2026. These include FD&C Blue Nos. 1 and 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, and FD&C Yellow Nos. 5 and 6.
Walmart joins brands like General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Hershey’s, PepsiCo, Conagra Brands (Duncan Hines and Birds Eye), Nestle USA, and McCormick & Co., which have also pledged to remove synthetic dyes from their products in the coming year. The company listed the 11 synthetic dyes it will eliminate, emphasizing its commitment to simpler ingredients.
Walmart President and CEO John Furner highlighted customer feedback as a driving force behind the decision, stating, “Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients — and we’ve listened.” The company also noted strong consumer interest in higher-quality private-label offerings, including its 2024 launch of bettergoods, which targets high-income shoppers.
In June, Walmart’s wholesale division, Sam’s Club, reported that 96% of food under its Member’s Mark label already excludes artificial colors, aspartame, and high-fructose corn syrup, with plans to fully eliminate these by year-end.
