U.S. Food Companies Move to Reduce Synthetic Ingredients Amid Health Concerns

Major U.S. food companies, including Walmart, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz, are pledging to remove synthetic dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners from their products in response to growing evidence linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to adverse health outcomes. According to a 2025 analysis from the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of the calories consumed by Americans come from UPFs—foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in nutrients and fiber.

As research continues to associate UPFs with chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, this shift underscores the importance of effective public health communication around nutrition and food policy. Read more from USA Today here.