According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can carry the “diet” label as long as it is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, commonly employed by soda manufacturers to signify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been in use for decades. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know requesting that the “diet” label be deemed misleading, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA took no action. However, just because the term is accepted does not imply it remains relevant. Current lawsuits could alter how soft drinks and other products are labeled, as modern consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, leading to varied interpretations of the term “diet.” In fact, the generic “diet” label is rarely found on many products outside of beverages.
Today, instead of adhering to the low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, consumers are increasingly inclined to seek items with a more holistic health profile, preferring products that are less processed or that support specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s ruling, manufacturers may reconsider the specificity of the “diet” label when describing what consumers can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda. There is also a possibility that manufacturers may want to move away from the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share for soda has been declining in recent years, the decline in diet soda’s market share has been significantly steeper.
Diet beverages have fallen out of favor with consumers, potentially due to concerns over artificial sweeteners or research linking diet soda consumption to health and weight problems. With limited discussions about diet soda on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market traction. In response, soft drink companies have begun to innovate with sugar-free options that feature more straightforward product labels. The long-anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie reformulation, occurred in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN is a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. All these product names convey much more than simply “diet,” potentially signaling the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Interestingly, consumers who prioritize their health might also be turning to supplements such as Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3, as evidenced by testimonials from users (solgar calcium citrate with vitamin d3 kullananlar). As the beverage landscape evolves, this shift in consumer behavior highlights a broader trend toward health-conscious choices, including both food and supplementation. Ultimately, manufacturers may need to adapt to these changing preferences, as the traditional “diet” label may no longer resonate with today’s health-aware consumers.