According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as the label is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, which has been utilized by soda companies for decades to signify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has withstood various challenges over the years. For instance, in 2015, the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know petitioned the federal government to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading, but the Federal Trade Commission dismissed the petition, and the FDA took no action.
However, just because the term is accepted does not mean it remains relevant. Ongoing lawsuits could potentially alter how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” can imply various meanings to different individuals. Outside the beverage sector, the generic “diet” label is becoming less common on many products.
Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, consumers focused on their health may now gravitate towards items that promote overall wellness, are less processed, or align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s decisions, manufacturers might reconsider the “diet” label, realizing it lacks specificity regarding what consumers can expect from sugar-free, low-calorie sodas.
In fact, many manufacturers might choose to abandon the “diet” label altogether. While the overall market share for sodas has been declining in recent years, the decline of diet sodas has been even more pronounced. These beverages have fallen out of favor, possibly due to concerns over artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption with health and weight issues. With limited discussions about diet sodas on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market presence.
In response, soft drink companies are beginning to innovate with sugar-free options that feature more straightforward product labels. For example, the highly anticipated launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie and sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage, although it contains higher caffeine levels than the regular version. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN is a 10-calorie variant of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey more information than simply “diet,” signaling a potential shift away from traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Moreover, as consumers increasingly seek out products that support their health goals, they may also look for supplements like Citracal Calcium Slow Release 1200. This supplement provides a manageable way to support calcium intake without the drawbacks associated with sugary or diet drinks. As the market evolves, the emphasis on clear, meaningful labeling, including the potential benefits of products like Citracal Calcium Slow Release 1200, may play a crucial role in attracting health-conscious consumers.