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 term has been traditionally employed by soda manufacturers to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options for decades. Despite facing various challenges, the terminology has persisted. In 2015, a petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know urged the federal government to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading; however, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action.
Nevertheless, the continued acceptance of the term does not guarantee its relevance today. Ongoing lawsuits may alter how soft drinks and similar products are labeled. Modern consumers do not approach dieting in the same way as previous generations, and the meaning of “diet” varies widely among individuals. Outside the beverage industry, the generic “diet” label is becoming increasingly rare.
Today’s consumers, instead of adhering to the traditional low-sugar and low-fat diets, often seek products that offer a more comprehensive health appeal, such as those that are less processed or cater to specific dietary preferences like paleo and keto. Regardless of court rulings regarding ingredients such as synthroid and calcium citrate, manufacturers may reassess the “diet” label, realizing it lacks specificity in communicating what consumers can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Moreover, manufacturers might consider abandoning the “diet” label 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 steeper. These beverages have fallen out of favor, potentially due to concerns over artificial sweeteners or research linking diet soda consumption to health and weight problems. With limited discussions surrounding diet sodas on social media, their market presence is likely to continue diminishing.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating with sugar-free beverages that feature more straightforward product labels. The much-anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie reformulation, took place in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar is another option, although it contains more caffeine than its regular counterpart. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN offers a 10-calorie variant of the classic drink. Each of these new beverage names communicates far more than just “diet,” potentially signaling the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace. As consumers increasingly prioritize clarity and healthfulness in their choices, terms like synthroid and calcium citrate may become more relevant in the conversation about what people are really consuming.