Walmart Removes Synthetic Dyes From All Store-Brand Foods

Walmart announced Tuesday it will eliminate synthetic dyes and 30 other ingredients from all its private brand food products, marking one of the largest private brand reformulations in retail history.

The change affects all Walmart food private brands including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed and bettergoods. Customers will begin seeing reformulated products in stores over the coming months, with all changes completed by January 2027.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer said the decision responds to evolving customer preferences and supports a more transparent food system. According to a Walmart survey conducted in July, 62 percent of customers want more transparency in food ingredients and 54 percent actively review ingredient lists before making purchases.

The company has been gradually moving away from synthetic dyes for years. About 90 percent of Walmart food private brand products are already free from synthetic dyes, making this announcement the final phase of a broader effort to reformulate its store-brand offerings.

In addition to synthetic dyes, Walmart is removing ingredients including titanium dioxide, certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes. The complete list includes 30 items ranging from azodicarbonamide to potassium bromate. Other ingredients being eliminated include neotame, advantame, various parabens, and bromated flour.

The retailer is working with private brand suppliers to adjust formulations and source alternative ingredients while preserving the taste customers expect. This represents a significant undertaking given the scope of Walmart’s private brand portfolio, which spans thousands of products across multiple categories.

The move builds on momentum from last year’s launch of bettergoods, a chef-inspired private brand that includes plant-based and “made without” options. The bettergoods line emphasizes simpler ingredients, with 70 percent of items priced under $5, maintaining Walmart’s focus on affordability alongside quality.

The reformulation effort reflects broader consumer trends toward cleaner labels and more recognizable ingredients. Shoppers increasingly scrutinize food labels and seek products free from artificial additives, pushing major retailers and food manufacturers to reconsider traditional formulations.

For northeast Ohio Walmart shoppers, the changes will roll out gradually over the next 15 months, with some reformulated products appearing on shelves in the coming weeks.