Major MAHA Win: Walmart Cuts Dyes And Dangerous Additives From Store Brands
In a sweeping shift to align with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, Walmart announced it will remove synthetic dyes and more than 30 other additives — including artificial sweeteners and preservatives — from all of its store brands.
The retailer confirmed that its popular in-house brands, including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods, are all getting the MAHA makeover. The change will impact more than 1,000 products ranging from salty snacks and sweet treats to salad dressings and power drinks.
Reformulated products are expected to roll out within months, with the full transition set to be completed by January 2027.
“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients — and we’ve listened,” Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said. “By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”
The move will carry major implications for American families, as Walmart remains the largest grocery retailer in the United States. In 2024 alone, Walmart reported $276 billion in grocery sales.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., widely recognized as the figurehead of the MAHA movement, has been working closely with major corporations to phase out controversial additives such as synthetic dyes. Already, companies like PepsiCo, Tyson Foods, and Sam’s Club have signed on to the mission.
In addition to industry partnerships, HHS has teamed with the Department of Agriculture to reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring taxpayer dollars go toward healthier food options. The effort includes cutting out soda, candy, and other sugary purchases in participating states.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has already approved waivers for at least a dozen states to implement the new restrictions on SNAP purchases.
Back in August, Kennedy underscored his belief that taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize unhealthy food choices that fuel obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
“We are spending $405 million a day on SNAP and about 10% is going to sugary drinks, and if you add candies to that, it’s about 13-17%,” Kennedy said.
“We all believe in free choice,” he continued. “We live in a democracy — people can make their own choice about what they are going to buy and what they are not going to buy. If you want to buy a sugary soda, you should be able to do that, but the U.S. taxpayer should not pay for it.”
“U.S. taxpayers should not be paying to feed the poorest kids in the country food that will give them diabetes,” RFK added.