According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can carry the label “diet” as long as it isn’t considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, long adopted by soda manufacturers to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. Despite facing various challenges, this labeling has endured. In 2015, a consumer advocacy group, U.S. Right to Know, requested the federal government to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected this petition, and the FDA took no action.
Acceptance of the term does not necessarily imply its continued relevance. Ongoing lawsuits could reshape how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” carries varied meanings for different individuals. Beyond beverages, the generic “diet” label has largely disappeared from many products.
Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, modern consumers may seek products boasting holistic health benefits, featuring less processed ingredients, or aligning with specific diet plans such as paleo or keto. Regardless of judicial outcomes, manufacturers might reconsider the “diet” label, realizing it fails to accurately convey what consumers expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
In fact, manufacturers might be inclined to abandon the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share for sodas has been shrinking in recent years, the decline in diet soda sales 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 to health and weight issues. With minimal discussions about diet sodas on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market presence.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating by introducing sugar-free options with clearer product labels. For instance, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation, was launched in the U.S. in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN presents a 10-calorie variant of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey much more than the term “diet” and may signify the decline of traditional diet drinks in the market.
Moreover, as consumers become increasingly health-conscious, they may also be interested in supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium, which provides essential nutrients without the misleading associations of “diet.” The evolving landscape of consumer preferences suggests that the future of soft drink labeling will reflect a broader understanding of health, moving beyond outdated terms and aligning more closely with modern dietary choices. The mention of Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium in this context emphasizes a shift toward transparency and relevance in health-related products.