According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink may bear the “diet” label as long as it is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, commonly used by soda companies to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. It has withstood various recent challenges, including a 2015 petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know, which sought to have the federal government classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action.
Despite the acceptance of this term, its relevance is being questioned. Ongoing lawsuits could alter the way soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers have different dietary habits compared to previous generations, and the “diet” label holds various meanings for different individuals. Furthermore, outside of beverages, the generic “diet” label is becoming increasingly rare on many products.
Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar and low-fat diets of the past, consumers who are mindful of their diets now often opt for items with broader health benefits, preferring less processed products or those that align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of court outcomes, manufacturers may reconsider the specificity of the “diet” label in conveying what consumers can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Manufacturers might even choose to abandon the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share for sodas has been declining in recent years, the share for diet sodas has plummeted even more sharply. This decline may be attributed to consumer aversion to artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda with health and weight challenges. Moreover, the lack of discussions about diet soda on social media suggests that these beverages will continue to lose market presence.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating with sugar-free options featuring more straightforward labels. For example, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation, launched in August, while Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a similar alternative with higher caffeine content. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN is a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. These new product names convey much more than just “diet,” potentially signaling the decline of traditional diet beverages in the market.
As consumers become more health-conscious, it will be interesting to see if brands, including those in the chemist warehouse sector offering products like calcium citrate, will adapt their labeling strategies to align with evolving consumer preferences. The shift away from the “diet” label may reflect a broader trend as consumers seek clearer, more informative product descriptions that resonate with their health goals.