Walmart, America’s largest retailer, has recently announced that it will be eliminating synthetic dyes and other additives from all of its private-label food products, including popular brands like Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods. This move comes in response to consumer demand for more transparency in food ingredients, with over half of surveyed customers stating that they regularly review food labels.
The decision to remove synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, and certain preservatives aligns with Walmart’s commitment to providing affordable and quality food products that families can feel good about. While approximately 90% of Walmart’s private brand products are already free of synthetic dyes, this step will further enhance the company’s offerings and cater to the changing preferences of consumers.
The move to eliminate these additives has been praised by advocacy groups like Consumer Reports, recognizing it as a positive step towards removing harmful chemicals from the food supply. Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports, commended Walmart for taking the lead in prioritizing consumer safety and urged other food companies to follow suit.
Walmart will be working closely with its suppliers to reformulate products and source alternative ingredients to replace the synthetic dyes and additives. Customers can expect to see the updated products rolling out over the coming months, with a full transition expected by January 2027. The company has provided a list of the synthetic dyes and additives that will be removed from its products, including FD&C colors, titanium dioxide, and various preservatives.
Overall, Walmart’s decision to eliminate synthetic dyes and additives from its private-label food products reflects a growing trend in the food industry towards cleaner and simpler ingredients. By prioritizing consumer preferences and safety, Walmart is setting a new standard for food quality and innovation, leading the way for other retailers to follow suit.
