According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled “diet” as long as that designation is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, which has been employed by soda manufacturers for decades to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has withstood various challenges over the years. In 2015, a petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know requested that the federal government classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected this petition, and the FDA did not take any action on it.
Nonetheless, the acceptance of the term “diet” does not necessarily imply its continued relevance. Recent lawsuits may prompt a reevaluation of how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the label “diet” carries diverse meanings for individuals. Beyond beverages, the generic “diet” label is increasingly absent from many products.
Instead of adhering to a traditional low-sugar, low-fat diet, many consumers are now seeking products that offer a more holistic health profile, such as those that are less processed, or that align with specific dietary preferences like paleo and keto. Regardless of court outcomes, manufacturers may reassess the “diet” label and recognize that it fails to adequately convey the benefits of a sugar-free, low-calorie soda. They might even decide to abandon the “diet” designation altogether, especially since the overall market share for sodas has declined significantly in recent years, with diet sodas experiencing an even steeper drop.
The decline in popularity of diet beverages could be attributed to concerns over artificial sweeteners or research linking diet soda consumption to health and weight challenges. With minimal discussions about diet sodas on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market share.
In response, soft drink companies have begun to innovate by introducing sugar-free beverages with straightforward product labeling. The eagerly awaited U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar is another option, although it contains more caffeine than its regular counterpart. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN offers a 10-calorie version of the classic beverage. All of these product names convey much more than just “diet,” possibly signaling the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Interestingly, as consumers pivot towards healthier choices, some are also looking for fortified options that provide additional benefits, such as those containing calcium 600 from brands like Solgar. This interest in nutritional enhancement could further influence how beverages are marketed in the future. Ultimately, the landscape of soft drinks is shifting, and the “diet” label may soon become a relic of the past, as both manufacturers and consumers seek more meaningful ways to define their choices.