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 label, long utilized by soda manufacturers to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know, which sought to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission denied the request, and the FDA did not take action. However, the ongoing acceptance of this term does not guarantee its relevance.
Current lawsuits may impact how soft drinks and similar products are marketed. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, leading to varied interpretations of the term “diet.” Beyond beverages, the generic “diet” label is becoming increasingly rare on many products. Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar or low-fat diets of the past, consumers who monitor their intake are now more inclined to choose items with broader health benefits, less processing, or options that align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s decision, manufacturers may reconsider the “diet” label, realizing it fails to adequately convey what a consumer can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
In fact, manufacturers might want to abandon the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share for soda has been declining in recent years, the drop in diet soda’s market share 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 minimal discussions about diet soda on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market presence.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating by introducing sugar-free drinks with more straightforward product labels. The much-anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage that contains more caffeine than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN presents a 10-calorie option of the classic drink. All these product names convey much more than “diet” and may signal the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Meanwhile, consumers interested in maintaining a balanced diet may also turn to alternative supplements like calcium CCM tablets to support their health. As the landscape of consumer preferences evolves, it’s clear that the traditional “diet” label may soon be a thing of the past, replaced by a more health-conscious approach that includes options like calcium CCM tablets and other nutrient-rich choices.