Walmart will phase out synthetic food dyes across all its private-label food products, including Marketside, Bettergoods and Great Value. The transition is scheduled to be completed by January 2027 and will involve reformulating more than 1,000 items.
Around 90% of Walmart’s private-label range is already free of artificial colours. Alongside dyes, the retailer will also eliminate 30 other additives, such as certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes.
The move aligns Walmart with wider industry efforts as regulators and public health officials push for the removal of artificial colours from food products. Major food manufacturers, including PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills, have also announced plans to transition away from synthetic dyes by the end of 2027.
Reformulation will require significant testing to ensure natural alternatives deliver consistent taste, texture, and shelf stability. Developers are turning to ingredients such as spirulina and beet extracts to replicate colours, although some products may appear less vibrant.
The scale of the project reflects both shifting consumer demand for simpler ingredients and competitive pressure in the grocery sector. Walmart aims to maintain its price positioning while meeting these expectations, ensuring that products remain accessible across its extensive customer base.