Walmart Announces Plan to Remove Artificial Colors and Additives by 2027

Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to eliminate synthetic food dyes and over 30 other artificial additives from its private-label products by January 2027. This significant move aims to enhance food safety and meet the growing consumer demand for cleaner, healthier food options.

The initiative will impact approximately 1,000 products across various categories, including popular staples like salty snacks, baked goods, salad dressings, and frosting. The reformulations primarily target Walmart's flagship brand, Great Value, but will also affect the Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and some premium Bettergoods lines.

Many of the additives listed for removal, such as certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners like advantame and neotame, and synthetic dyes, have already faced regulatory restrictions or are not widely used. For example, the FDA phased out trans fats in 2023. Nevertheless, Walmart’s decision signals a proactive approach responding to heightened scrutiny from consumers and regulators regarding food ingredients.

Industry experts, including Brian Ronholm of Consumer Reports, have praised Walmart’s announcement. He called it a "sweeping declaration" reflecting strong consumer sentiment for fewer additives. The list encompasses a broad range of ingredients, including preservatives like potassium nitrite, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic dyes, which health advocates have long questioned for their safety.

Despite the positive intentions, implementing these changes involves technical challenges. Scott Morris, Walmart’s senior vice president of private brands, emphasized that replacing synthetic ingredients with natural alternatives requires careful testing, as different products perform differently with substitutes. The timing of this announcement coincides with increased availability of approved natural ingredients, making the transition more feasible.

However, some skepticism remains. Critics like Thomas Galligan from the Center for Science in the Public Interest warn that promises are easier to make than to fulfill. Past commitments by companies have often fallen short, and until reformulated products are widely available on shelves, uncertainties about the actual implementation persist.

This initiative underscores a growing industry trend toward transparency and consumer health prioritization. Walmart’s move could influence broader market changes towards cleaner, more natural food options.

For more information on food additives and labeling, visit the FDA’s resources at FDA Food Additives and Ingredients.