According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as this designation is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology has been utilized by beverage companies for decades to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know requesting that the “diet” label be classified as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission rejected this petition, and the FDA took no action.
However, just because the term is accepted does not mean it remains relevant. Recent lawsuits might transform how soft drinks and other products are labeled. Modern consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” holds various meanings for different individuals. Moreover, outside of beverages, the generic “diet” label is becoming increasingly rare on many products.
Today’s consumers tend to prefer items that embody a more comprehensive health appeal, opting for less processed foods or products that cater to specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s decision, manufacturers may reconsider the label’s effectiveness in conveying what a sugar-free, low-calorie soda offers. In fact, they might consider abandoning the “diet” label altogether. While the overall market for soda has been declining in recent years, the decline of diet sodas has been even steeper.
Diet beverages have fallen out of favor, potentially due to concerns surrounding artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to health issues and weight gain. With little discussion about diet sodas on social media platforms, these drinks are likely to continue losing market presence. In response, soft drink companies have begun to innovate with sugar-free options that feature simpler product labels. The much-anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August, while Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a similar alternative, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN, a 10-calorie variation of the classic drink, provides a clearer alternative to the traditional “diet” label.
As a parallel trend, health-conscious consumers are also turning to products like Citracal Petites available at Walgreens, which cater to wellness without the stigma of being labeled “diet.” These new beverage names convey much more than simply “diet,” possibly signaling the decline of conventional diet drinks in the marketplace. In essence, as consumer preferences shift, the terminology and branding of soft drinks may need to adapt to remain relevant, just as dietary supplements like Citracal Petites have evolved to meet modern health needs.