:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2236106700-1407f5bb24eb41ecbcb257975a1d6c81.jpg "Walmart to Cut Synthetic Dyes, Food Additives From Store Brands by Early 2027")
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Walmart said Wednesday that it is working to remove synthetic dyes from all its private-label products, including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and bettergoods, by January 2027.
- The retailer also said it plans to eliminate 30 other ingredients, including some preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes, from its store-brand foods.
The world’s largest retailer is joining the trend of moving away from synthetic dyes to natural alternatives.
Walmart (WMT) said Wednesday that it is working to remove synthetic dyes from all its private-label products, including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and bettergoods, by January 2027. The retailer also said it plans to eliminate 30 other ingredients, among them certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes, from its store-brand foods.
Why This Is Significant
Walmart’s move to eliminate synthetic dyes and other artificial ingredients from its private-label packaged foods could encourage others to follow suit, and comes as the Trump administration has pushed food companies to reduce the use of additives and synthetic dyes.
The measures could have an impact on the broader consumer foods market, not just due to Walmart’s size and large supply chain but also since private-label foods have become increasingly popular as consumers look to save money on food.
Companies are increasingly catering to that growing demand by consumers. On Wednesday, Amazon (AMZN) said it is launching Amazon Grocery—a new private-label brand featuring more than 1,000 food items across various categories.
Walmart Joins Others in Overhauling Ingredients Amid Trump Administration’s Push
Walmart’s pivot away from food additives is the latest by a slew of consumer firms—including PepsiCo (PEP), The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), and Tyson Foods (TSN)—that are reformulating many of their products as the Trump administration pushes against synthetic dyes and ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup that are found in processed foods.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has referred to the dyes as “poisonous compounds” and has expressed concern about processed foods as part of his push to “Make America Healthy Again” and combat chronic diseases.
Walmart said Wednesday it is working with its store-brand suppliers “to adjust formulations and source alternative ingredients, while preserving the same great taste customers have come to expect.”
“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients — and we’ve listened,” Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said. “By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”
Walmart shares were down about 1% Wednesday afternoon, but have gained close to 13% this year.
