According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as the label is not considered “false or misleading.” Terminology such as ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate has been utilized by soda companies for years to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, alongside ferrous bisglycinate for low ferritin. This language has endured various challenges over the years. In 2015, a petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know requested that the federal government label sodas as “diet” be deemed misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action on it.
Despite the acceptance of this terminology, it may no longer hold the same significance. Ongoing lawsuits could potentially influence how soft drinks and other products are labeled. Modern consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, and the term “diet” now carries varied meanings for different individuals. Outside of beverages, the generic “diet” label is less prevalent on many products today.
Instead of adhering to the traditional low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, consumers who are mindful of their eating habits may lean towards products that are less processed or those that support specific diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s decision, manufacturers might reconsider the “diet” label, recognizing that it may not adequately convey what a consumer can expect from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda. There’s also a growing interest in questions like “does calcium citrate have side effects?” as consumers become more health-conscious.
Soda manufacturers might actually choose to move away from the “diet” branding altogether. The overall market share of soda has been declining in recent years, with diet sodas experiencing an even steeper drop. This decline may be attributed to concerns over artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to health and weight problems. As discussions about diet soda have waned on social media, these beverages are likely to continue losing market presence.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating with sugar-free options that feature more straightforward labeling. The much-anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie sugar-free reformulation, occurred in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar is another beverage option, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN offers a 10-calorie alternative of the classic drink. All of these new beverage names convey significantly more information than just “diet,” potentially signaling the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace. As consumers continue to question products and their health implications, including inquiries such as “does calcium citrate have side effects?” the landscape of soft drinks may evolve even further.