Walmart voluntarily phasing out synthetic dyes in their private label brands

By VeriFoods

Walmart has announced a major shift in its approach to food ingredients, pledging to eliminate synthetic dyes from all of its private-label food products in the United States by January 2027. This commitment covers popular brands such as Great Value and Bettergoods, and is part of a broader industry movement responding to increasing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural foods.

Why is Walmart making this change?

This decision comes amid a wave of similar announcements from major food manufacturers like PepsiCo, Campbell's, and Conagra Brands. These companies have been influenced by the federal government's Make America Healthy Again initiative, which has placed a spotlight on the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and chemical additives. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has been vocal about the links between these additives and rising rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, allergies, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.

Walmart’s move goes beyond just synthetic dyes. The retailer plans to remove more than 30 additional ingredients from its private-label foods, including certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes. According to Walmart, 90 percent of its private-brand products are already free from synthetic dyes, reflecting a significant shift in recent years.

What’s actually changing in your food?

While many of the ingredients on Walmart’s removal list are already banned, rarely used, or have not appeared in the U.S. food supply for decades, the company is taking a precautionary approach. Some ingredients are being phased out even in the absence of clear evidence of harm, as they have been targeted for further review by federal agencies. At VeriFoods, we support this precautionary principle: we believe food should be as close to its natural state as possible, since the long-term effects of many artificial substances remain uncertain.

Walmart is collaborating with its private-label suppliers to reformulate products and source alternative ingredients. Shoppers can expect to see these updated products across a wide range of categories, from canned and frozen foods to cereals and salads, in the coming months.

Will this change make a difference?

For many health-conscious consumers, the removal of synthetic dyes and other questionable additives is a welcome development. Research has long raised concerns about the potential health impacts of artificial colors and preservatives, especially for children and sensitive individuals. Even though some experts argue that certain additives are safe in small amounts, the cumulative effect of consuming multiple artificial substances over time is not fully understood.

Walmart’s private-label brands, including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and the premium Bettergoods line, are staples for millions of American families. The company’s decision to clean up its ingredient lists could have a ripple effect throughout the food industry, encouraging other retailers and manufacturers to follow suit.

Sam’s Club, Walmart’s membership-based chain, has also announced plans to remove artificial colors, aspartame, and other ingredients from its Member’s Mark brand by the end of this year.

How are consumers and investors reacting?

Walmart’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many shoppers appreciate the move toward transparency and simplicity, the company’s stock saw a decline of more than 1.9 percent on the day of the announcement, reflecting some investor uncertainty about the costs and challenges of reformulating so many products.

At VeriFoods, we applaud steps that align with the growing demand for food that is simple, natural, and free from unnecessary chemicals. As always, we encourage consumers to stay informed and make choices that support their health and well-being.

Does your family regularly buy Walmart’s private-label foods? What do you think about the move to remove synthetic dyes and other additives? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

References:

• Sensient Colors, Center for Science in the Public Interest, FDA statements as cited in the original content.