Walmart to Remove 100+ Ingredients, Including Synthetic Dyes, by 2027
Walmart has announced a significant change to its store-brand products. The retail giant plans to remove or replace over 100 ingredients, including synthetic food dyes and controversial additives, by 2027. This move follows similar commitments by other major companies and increased scrutiny from health advocates and the federal government.
Walmart's list of targeted ingredients is extensive, featuring chemicals like potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite, potassium bisulfite, advantame, and neotame. The company aims to remove these from its Great Value range, which includes products like cheese dips, salty snacks, baked goods, and salad dressings. Some of the 11 artificial food dyes on the list have already been banned or phased out, while others face health and environmental concerns.
The retail giant has committed to replacing these ingredients with viable and scalable alternatives. For instance, Great Value cheese dips will now use natural colorants like paprika and annatto instead of Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. Walmart's wholesale club division, Sam's Club, has also pledged to remove more than 40 ingredients from its Member's Mark products by the end of the year. This initiative affects around 1,000 products in total.
Walmart's decision to remove and replace these ingredients reflects a growing trend among major food companies to address health and environmental concerns. The federal government's increased scrutiny of artificial food dyes, including the 2021 ban on Red 3, has likely influenced this move. By 2027, Walmart shoppers can expect to see reformulated food items on the shelves, with the company aiming to maintain product quality, taste, and affordable pricing.
