Walmart has revealed plans to eliminate 11 synthetic dyes and 30 additional ingredients—including preservatives, substitutes, and sweeteners—from its private food brands by January 2027. The updates are set to begin in the coming months, affecting products under labels such as Great Value and Marketside.

“Walmart private brand foods are getting even better,” the company stated. “We’re removing synthetic dyes and 30 other ingredients from all Walmart private brand food items—putting our customers at the heart of every bite,” it added.

The move follows a recent announcement by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who outlined plans to phase out eight artificial dyes from medications and the national food supply by the end of 2026. These include FD&C Blue Nos. 1 and 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, and FD&C Yellow Nos. 5 and 6.

Walmart joins a growing list of brands pledging to remove synthetic dyes from their products in the coming year, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Hershey’s, PepsiCo, Conagra Brands (Duncan Hines and Birds Eye), Nestle USA, and McCormick & Co.

The company will eliminate the following 11 synthetic dyes from its private brand offerings: [specific list not provided in original text]. Walmart President and CEO John Furner emphasized the shift, stating, “Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients—and we’ve listened. By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”

As Walmart expands its market reach across income groups, Furner highlighted the strong reception of its bettergoods brand among high-income shoppers during a recent earnings call. The initiative, launched in 2024, focuses on higher-quality ingredients and marks the company’s first private-label launch in two decades.

In early June, Walmart’s wholesale division, Sam’s Club, reported that 96% of food from its private label, Member’s Mark, was produced without artificial colors, aspartame, or high-fructose corn syrup. It also announced plans to fully eliminate these ingredients by year-end.