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 term has been used by soda manufacturers for decades to denote sugar-free and low-calorie options. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know requesting that the government label “diet” on sodas as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take action. However, just because the term is accepted does not mean it remains relevant. Recent lawsuits may influence how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, resulting in varied interpretations of the “diet” label. Outside the beverage sector, the generic “diet” designation is becoming increasingly rare.
Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, modern consumers often seek products that boast well-rounded health benefits, are less processed, or align with specific diets such as paleo and keto. Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing legal disputes, manufacturers might reconsider the “diet” label, recognizing it lacks specificity for consumers looking for clarity in sugar-free, low-calorie sodas.
In fact, soda makers may choose to abandon the “diet” label altogether. While the overall market share for sodas has been declining in recent years, diet sodas have experienced an even steeper drop. This shift may be attributed to consumer aversion to artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to various health and weight issues. Moreover, the minimal discussion surrounding diet sodas on social media signals that these beverages are likely to continue losing market traction.
In response, soft drink companies have begun innovating with sugar-free options that feature more straightforward product labels. A noteworthy example is the recent U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie reformulation that hit stores in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar, which contains more caffeine than its regular version, caters to changing consumer preferences. Dr Pepper TEN also enters the market as a 10-calorie alternative to the classic drink. These new names convey much more than the term “diet” and may signify a shift away from traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Amidst these changes, consumers are also exploring other health-focused products, such as eurho vital calcium citrate 45 tablets, which provide essential nutrients without the stigma associated with “diet” labels. As the landscape of soft drink branding evolves, it may be time for manufacturers to consider how their products, including the increasingly popular eurho vital calcium citrate 45 tablets, fit into the broader narrative of health and wellness that consumers are now embracing.