NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Walmart plans to remove synthetic food dyes and several other additives from its private-label food products by early 2027, part of a nationwide effort to simplify ingredient lists and respond to consumer demand for more transparent labeling.
The retailer announced that all Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and bettergoods products will be reformulated to eliminate petroleum-based color additives and about 30 other artificial ingredients. Walmart said roughly 90 percent of its store-brand foods are already free of synthetic dyes, with the remaining products expected to transition over the next two years.
The move aligns with broader industry trends and recent federal actions to reduce or eliminate certain food dyes. The Food and Drug Administration is phasing out the use of Red No. 3 in foods by 2027, following research linking the dye to potential health risks.
Walmart stated that reformulated products will begin appearing on shelves in the coming months, including at stores across Nebraska, with full implementation expected by 2027. The company also indicated it will continue reviewing additional ingredients such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives as part of its ongoing “clean label” initiative.
Similar commitments have been made by other major food companies, including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Nestlé, as consumers increasingly seek products made without artificial coloring or unnecessary additives.
The changes are expected to affect hundreds of items under Walmart’s private-label lines, which account for a significant portion of the company’s grocery sales nationwide.