Walmart is making big changes to its private-label packaged foods by removing synthetic dyes and over 30 other chemicals like lye and toluene. These substances often come from preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
Currently, about 90% of Walmart’s private-brand foods are already free from these petroleum-based dyes. However, the overhaul isn’t just about food. Some chemicals are also found in plastics and packaging, and many of them were phased out years ago.
This reform applies to all of Walmart’s private food brands, including Great Value and Marketside. The shift aligns with a federal push for cleaner food products. Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission have laid out a plan to eliminate synthetic dyes from both private-label and brand-name foods by 2025. The FDA is collaborating with food manufacturers to remove several color additives from the market.
Notably, companies like Tyson Foods have also committed to eliminating certified color additives by May 2025. Walmart’s wholesale division, Sam’s Club, announced it would remove more than 40 ingredients from its Member’s Mark products by the end of this year.
Walmart’s decision is significantly influenced by customer feedback. A recent survey revealed that 62% of Walmart shoppers want to know more about their food ingredients, and 54% regularly review those ingredients. “Our customers have told us they prefer simpler, more familiar ingredients,” said John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S. He emphasized that these changes reinforce Walmart’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality food.
The revamped products will start showing up on shelves over the next few months, with the complete rollout expected by January 2027.
These changes come at a time when consumer awareness about food quality is growing. As people become more health-conscious, companies are feeling the pressure to respond. This shift in consumer preference is not just a trend; it’s becoming the norm in the grocery industry, influencing how products are made and marketed.
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