Walmart to Remove Synthetic Dyes from Private Label Foods

Walmart has announced that it will eliminate synthetic dyes from all its private label food products. Additionally, the retailer plans to remove over 30 other ingredients—including some preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat alternatives—from private branded foods sold in the U.S.

The company stated that this initiative is a significant step in its commitment to providing customers with high-quality and affordable private brand items. According to a news release, Walmart’s US President and CEO, John Farner, mentioned that customers have expressed a preference for products made from simpler, more recognizable ingredients. “By eliminating synthetic dyes and other unwanted ingredients, we reinforce our promise to deliver affordable food that benefits families,” he added.

This commitment not only reflects Walmart’s responsiveness to evolving customer preferences but also sets a standard for quality and innovation combined with value, according to Farner.

Walmart intends to implement these changes by January 2027, pointing out that around 90% of their private label foods are already free of synthetic dyes.

This announcement follows a trend among U.S. companies that have begun to pull back from using synthetic food dyes, a movement shared by brands such as General Mills and Kraft Heinz. Efforts led by the FDA and health officials have aimed to encourage food manufacturers to phase out artificial colors as part of broader health initiatives.