Walmart has announced a sweeping reform of its U.S. private-label food and beverage products, pledging to eliminate synthetic dyes and more than 30 artificial additives by 2027. The decision reflects growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredient lists and aligns with recent public health campaigns and state-level legislative efforts targeting food additives.
The retail giant’s reform will affect products sold under brands like Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and bettergoods. The changes are intended to simplify ingredient profiles and respond to mounting concerns over the long-term health effects of chemical additives used in processed foods.
Among the 11 synthetic dyes being removed are several widely used colorants, including Red Dye No. 3, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1. Most of these are petroleum-derived and have been linked to health concerns, including behavioral issues in children and potential carcinogenic effects. Their removal marks one of the most aggressive additive overhauls by a major U.S. food retailer.
Walmart’s initiative comes as momentum builds behind a broader movement to reform food safety standards. Several states have already introduced or passed legislation banning specific additives. California, for example, outlawed Red Dye No. 3 in 2023 and expanded restrictions on food dyes used in school meals earlier this year. West Virginia has also enacted sweeping bans covering multiple dyes and preservatives.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed suit in January 2024 by announcing a nationwide ban on Red Dye No. 3, with full implementation by early 2027. However, regulatory pressure from the federal level has been slow, prompting many food companies to act independently. Walmart’s announcement was praised by public health advocates for moving ahead of federal mandates.
In addition to artificial dyes, Walmart will eliminate a variety of other additives, including synthetic sweeteners like advantame and neotame, fat substitutes such as sucrose polyester, and preservatives like butylparaben and propylparaben. Some of these substances are already banned in parts of Europe and Asia due to health concerns.
According to Walmart, nearly 90% of its house-brand products are already free of synthetic dyes. The company’s remaining reformulation efforts are expected to be completed within the next two years. John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S., said the move responds directly to customer feedback and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to affordable, healthier options.
The scale of Walmart’s influence is expected to ripple across the industry. The company is responsible for roughly 25% to 30% of all grocery sales in the United States. Experts say other major retailers and food producers will likely follow suit to remain competitive and compliant with changing state regulations.
This announcement follows similar pledges by large food manufacturers such as Kraft Heinz, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Campbell’s. Many of these companies began revising formulations after a White House initiative under the Trump administration urged voluntary changes to food safety standards as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Experts advise consumers to remain vigilant by checking food labels during the transition period. While reforms are underway, ingredient transparency remains the most effective way for shoppers to avoid potentially harmful additives. Walmart’s move, however, is seen as a significant turning point in the effort to transform the American processed food landscape.
