Dive Brief:
- Walmart announced on Wednesday that it plans to eliminate artificial dyes and 30 other ingredients commonly found in processed foods from its store brands by January 2027. This move is considered one of the largest private brand reformulations in retail history.
- The retailer is collaborating with its private brand suppliers to adjust formulations and find alternative ingredients for labels such as Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods.
- Consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, leading companies to reevaluate their ingredient lists. The Trump administration has also urged the food industry to phase out artificial colors by the end of next year.
Dive Insight:
Many major food companies are transitioning to natural dyes, and Walmart is among the few eliminating other ingredients associated with processed foods, which could be the next focus for regulatory changes.
The list of ingredients to be removed includes preservatives like propylparaben and the flour bleaching agent azodicarbonamide, known as the “yoga mat chemical.” Some of the listed chemicals are no longer used in the industry or are not part of the food manufacturing process. For example, Orange B food dye has not been certified for use since 1978, and toluene is used in food packaging, not production.
John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., stated, “Our customers have expressed a preference for products with simpler, more recognizable ingredients, and we have taken that feedback into account. By eliminating artificial dyes and other additives, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing affordable and wholesome food options for families.”
Walmart mentioned that 90% of its private brand products are already free from synthetic dyes. The reformulated products will gradually be introduced in stores over the coming months, with all changes expected to be completed by January 2027 at the latest.
Recently, Tyson Foods announced its decision to stop using high fructose corn syrup and preservatives such as BHT and BHA. Additionally, more and more smaller brands are moving away from seed oils, aligning with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.