According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as that label is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, widely utilized by soda companies to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been in use for decades. Despite facing recent challenges, this terminology has remained intact. In 2015, the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know submitted a petition to the federal government requesting that the “diet” label on sodas be classified as misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected this petition, and the FDA did not take any action.
Nonetheless, the acceptance of the term does not guarantee its continued relevance. Current lawsuits may lead to changes in how soft drinks and other products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” holds various meanings for different individuals. Beyond beverages, the generic “diet” label has become less common on many products. Instead of adhering to outdated low-sugar or low-fat diets, consumers now often prefer items that embody a more holistic approach to health, such as less processed foods or those that align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of court outcomes, manufacturers might reconsider the label claim and realize it lacks specificity in conveying what consumers expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Furthermore, manufacturers might choose to abandon the “diet” label altogether, especially as the overall market share for soda has been declining in recent years, with diet sodas experiencing an even steeper drop. The waning popularity of diet beverages could be attributed to concerns over artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to health and weight issues. With minimal discussions surrounding diet soda on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market traction.
In response, soft drink companies are beginning to innovate with sugar-free beverages that feature more straightforward product labels. The highly anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation, hit the shelves in August. Pepsi Zero Sugar is a similar offering, though it contains more caffeine than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN is a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. All of these beverage names convey much more than just “diet” and may signal the beginning of the end for traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Interestingly, much like the discussion around “diet” drinks, the ongoing debate about calcium supplements has led to comparisons between oyster shell calcium vs calcium citrate. This discussion reflects a larger trend where consumers are increasingly discerning about the health claims of various products. Just as consumers are shifting away from the diet label in soft drinks, they are also examining the details behind health supplements, such as the differences between oyster shell calcium vs calcium citrate. In this evolving landscape, clarity and transparency in labeling may become paramount, whether for beverages or dietary supplements.