According to the Code of Federal Regulations, soft drinks can be labeled as “diet” as long as this designation is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, which soda companies have long used to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know requesting that the federal government classify the “diet” label on soda as misleading, both the Federal Trade Commission and the FDA did not take action on it.
However, just because the term is accepted doesn’t mean it’s still relevant. Ongoing lawsuits may prompt changes in how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” can mean various things to different people. Furthermore, outside the beverage sector, the generic “diet” label is less commonly found on many products today.
Instead of adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, consumers today often prefer products that boast a more comprehensive health appeal, such as those that are less processed or that support specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s ruling, manufacturers might reconsider the clarity of the “diet” label, realizing it does not effectively convey what consumers expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Moreover, manufacturers may choose to abandon the “diet” label altogether. While the overall market share for soda has been declining, diet sodas have seen an even steeper drop in popularity, possibly due to concerns over artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to health and weight issues. With minimal discussions about diet soda on social media, these beverages are likely to continue losing their market presence.
In response, soft drink companies have begun to innovate with sugar-free drinks that feature more straightforward product labels. A notable example is the U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation that hit shelves in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN provides a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey much more than “diet” and may signal the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, some are also seeking supplements like calcium citrate 600 mg without vitamin D to enhance their diets. This shift in consumer preferences further emphasizes the need for clarity and relevance in product labeling, as the traditional notion of dieting evolves. As manufacturers adapt to these changes, the use of terms like “diet” may become increasingly obsolete in favor of more descriptive and appealing alternatives.