Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage purchases in the U.S. from 2008 to 2012. They found that foods marketed with low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt claims often had poorer nutritional profiles than those without such claims. According to chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie, products that are high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat are more likely to carry low- or no-content claims. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has contributed to this confusing landscape by allowing manufacturers to make various label claims in different ways for different products. This study highlights that these claims may have exacerbated the problem rather than clarified nutritional information.
The FDA is currently working on modernizing its labeling regulations, starting with the term “healthy.” This term was first defined two decades ago, influenced by efforts to decrease fat intake and promote nutrient-rich foods. As a result, sugary cereals can currently label themselves as “healthy,” while foods like almonds do not qualify under the same definition. As the agency gathers feedback on how to appropriately redefine label claims, it must proceed with caution in how these terms are presented moving forward.
At a public hearing discussing the redefinition of “healthy,” FDA researchers revealed that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. Studies have shown that consumers often perceive a wide range of products with health-related claims—ranging from chips to candy—as being healthier than their counterparts without such claims. This highlights the need for clear and accurate labeling, especially as consumers seek products that support their health, including those that benefit dental health, such as calcium citrate for teeth. Properly informed consumers will make better choices, leading to improved dietary habits.