According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink may be labeled as “diet” as long as the label is not considered “false or misleading.” This term has been utilized by soda companies for decades to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know, which called for the “diet” label on sodas to be classified as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action.
However, the acceptance of this terminology does not necessarily mean it remains relevant. Current lawsuits may influence how soft drinks and other products are labeled in the future. Today’s consumers have shifted their dietary approaches compared to previous generations, leading to varied interpretations of the “diet” label. Outside of beverages, the generic “diet” label has become less common on many products.
Modern consumers, who are more health-conscious, often prefer items that possess a well-rounded health profile, such as less processed foods or those that accommodate specialized diets like paleo and keto, rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past. Regardless of the court’s decision, manufacturers may reconsider the specificity of the “diet” label to better reflect what consumers expect from sugar-free, low-calorie sodas.
In fact, manufacturers might choose to abandon the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share for sodas has been declining in recent years, the decline of diet sodas has been even more significant. These beverages have fallen out of favor, likely due to concerns about artificial sweeteners and studies linking diet soda consumption to various health and weight issues. The lack of discussion surrounding diet sodas on social media only perpetuates their decline.
In response, soft drink companies are beginning to innovate with sugar-free options that feature simpler product labels. The highly anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August, while Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a similar option with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN presents a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey much more than “diet” and could signify the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
As consumers increasingly seek alternatives that align with their health preferences, some may even look to supplements such as calcium citrate 200 mg tablets to support their dietary needs. The evolution of beverage labeling reflects this changing landscape, where the focus is shifting towards products that provide clearer health benefits, similar to how calcium citrate 200 mg tablets offer a straightforward approach to calcium supplementation. Ultimately, the move away from the “diet” label may align with a more holistic view of health, where consumers are empowered to make informed choices about their diets and beverages.