Walmart Plans Nationwide Removal Synthetic Dyes Private Brands by 2027

Walmart has announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and over 30 other ingredients, such as certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes, from its private-label food brands including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods by January 2027. This change affects more than 1,000 products nationwide, including cereals, snacks, drinks, and baked goods, with some items potentially losing their color or appearing less vibrant. The decision responds to customer demand for simpler, more familiar ingredients and increased transparency, with research linking synthetic dyes to behavioral issues in children. Walmart emphasizes that the reformulated products will maintain their taste and affordability, leveraging its scale to avoid significant price increases. This move aligns Walmart with other major food companies and follows advocacy from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pushed for the removal of artificial colors to improve public health. The shift is part of a broader consumer trend towards cleaner labels amid economic pressures influencing shopping habits.