In a move towards healthier food options, Walmart announced on Wednesday its plans to eliminate synthetic dyes from all its private-label food products in the United States. Products under its Great Value and bettergoods brands will be free of these dyes by January 2027, with this change aligning with efforts from other major corporations.
In response to the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, several renowned packaged food producers, including PepsiCo, Campbell’s, and Conagra Brands, have already declared similar intentions. According to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., the move is aimed at curbing the adverse effects of ultra-processed food and chemical additives, which have been linked to various health issues such as childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies, and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Walmart, recognized as the world’s largest retailer in terms of sales, also intends to ban over 30 other ingredients. These include preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes from its private-label product range.
“Our consumers have clearly expressed a preference for products made from simpler, more recognizable ingredients, and we are taking their feedback seriously,” said John Furner, President of Walmart US.
The corporation manages six in-house food brands that enjoy considerable popularity among cost-conscious American consumers. Walmart reported that currently, 90% of its private-brand foods are already free from synthetic dyes.
The company plans to replace artificial coloring with natural alternatives such as beetroot, turmeric, black carrots, spinach, and hibiscus. Despite the challenges in substituting blues and greens, Walmart remains committed to this health-conscious transition, a company representative explained.
Specific changes include replacing yellow #6 and red #40 dyes in their “Great Value” brand gelatin products with Beta Carotene to achieve an orange color. For a cherry hue, the previously used red #40 and blue #1 dyes will be substituted with a blend of carrot, radish, hibiscus, blueberry, and spirulina.
Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at the non-profit Consumer Reports, believes that as the leading grocer in the US, Walmart’s decision will significantly influence the market and enhance the safety of the food purchased by many Americans.
The move extends beyond Walmart, as the Walmart-owned warehouse club chain Sam’s Club announced in June. They committed to remove artificial colors and aspartame from its Member’s Mark brand by the end of this year.
What is Walmart’s timeline for removing synthetic dyes from its private-label foods?
Walmart plans to remove synthetic dyes from all its private-label foods in the US by January 2027.
Why is Walmart removing synthetic dyes and other ingredients from its food products?
The move is in response to consumer demand for products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients. It also aligns with a wider industry trend towards healthier food options, in line with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
What natural alternatives is Walmart using to replace synthetic dyes?
Walmart plans to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives like beetroot, turmeric, black carrots, spinach, hibiscus, carrot, radish, blueberry, and spirulina. For example, Beta Carotene will replace yellow #6 and red #40 dyes in their gelatin products.
