According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can bear the label “diet” as long as it is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, which has been employed by soda manufacturers to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. The term has withstood various challenges over the years. In 2015, a petition submitted by the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know requested that the federal government classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading. The Federal Trade Commission rejected this petition, and the FDA did not take any action on it. However, the acceptance of this term does not guarantee its ongoing relevance.
Legal disputes may alter how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently compared to previous generations, and the term “diet” can mean various things to different people. Additionally, the generic “diet” label has become less common on many products outside of beverages. Modern consumers, who are more health-conscious, often prefer items that are less processed or that align with specific dietary regimens such as paleo or keto, rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar or low-fat diets of the past. Regardless of court rulings, manufacturers may reconsider the “diet” label, realizing it lacks specificity in conveying what consumers can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Moreover, manufacturers might opt 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 sharper drop. The decline in popularity of diet beverages may be attributed to concerns over artificial sweeteners or to research linking diet soda consumption with health and weight problems. With minimal discussions about diet soda on social media platforms, these drinks are likely to continue losing market presence.
In response, soft drink companies have begun innovating with sugar-free beverages that feature simpler product labels. A notable release is Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation that launched in the U.S. in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable option, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN is a 10-calorie variant of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey far more than the term “diet” and may signify the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Interestingly, consumers interested in maintaining a balanced diet might also be looking for supplements such as calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets, which can support overall health. As the market evolves, it is crucial for manufacturers to adapt their labeling and product offerings to align with contemporary consumer preferences. The shift away from the “diet” label could also pave the way for incorporating health-focused supplements like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets into broader wellness discussions, further reflecting the changing landscape of consumer health consciousness.