Walmart U.S. is making a big shift by removing synthetic dyes and about 30 other ingredients from its private brand food products. This includes preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes. It’s a move aimed at giving customers better options while keeping prices affordable.
Walmart’s brands, like Great Value and Marketside, will be affected. President and CEO John Furner noted that customers want simpler, recognizable ingredients, and Walmart is listening. In fact, a recent survey shows that 62% of customers are interested in more transparency in their food, and 54% regularly check ingredients.
This isn’t just a one-off change. Last year, Walmart introduced bettergoods, a line of chef-inspired, plant-based options that focus on quality. Most items are priced under $5, catering to budget-conscious shoppers.
Historically, Walmart has been proactive in responding to customer preferences. Today, around 90% of Walmart’s private brand foods are already free from synthetic dyes. Furner believes this latest commitment sets a standard for both quality and innovation at great prices.
Walmart is collaborating with suppliers to reformulate its products while keeping the same great taste. Customers can expect to see these new items on shelves in the coming months, with all changes completed by January 2027 at the latest.
Here’s a look at some ingredients being removed:
- Synthetic Dyes: Includes FD&C Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and more.
- Other Ingredients: This list includes titanium dioxide, azodicarbonamide, and various preservatives.
This shift reflects a growing trend in the food industry where consumers prioritize quality and transparency. More companies are likely to follow suit as consumer awareness about food ingredients continues to rise.
For more information on food safety and ingredient transparency, you can check the FDA website.
