According to the Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as this designation is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, long utilized by soda manufacturers to indicate sugar-free and low-calorie options, has been prevalent for decades. Despite facing challenges, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know asking the federal government to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission ultimately rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action. However, the acceptance of this term does not necessarily ensure its relevance today.
Current lawsuits could potentially alter the way soft drinks and similar products are labeled. As consumer preferences shift away from traditional diets, the meaning of the “diet” label varies significantly among individuals. Furthermore, the generic “diet” label is becoming less common across many products. Instead of adhering to the low-sugar and low-fat diets of the past, modern consumers often seek products that possess a more holistic health halo, favoring items that are less processed or that align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the court’s decision, manufacturers might reassess the “diet” label, realizing it lacks specificity regarding what consumers are receiving from a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
Additionally, manufacturers may consider moving away from the “diet” label. While the overall market for sodas has been declining over recent years, the drop in diet soda’s market share has been significantly steeper. The decline in popularity of diet beverages could be attributed to concerns about artificial sweeteners and studies connecting diet soda consumption to health issues. With minimal discussions about diet sodas on social media platforms, these drinks are likely to continue losing market traction.
To adapt, soft drink companies have begun to innovate with sugar-free options that feature clearer product labeling. Notably, the highly anticipated U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie reformulation, debuted in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable beverage but contains more caffeine than its regular variant. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN presents a low-calorie version of the classic drink, containing only 10 calories. All these new product names convey much more than just “diet,” potentially signaling the decline of traditional diet drinks in today’s marketplace.
In addition, consumers are now turning to alternatives like ca citrate tablets for dietary supplementation, reflecting a broader shift in their approach to health and nutrition. As these preferences evolve, the “diet” label may become increasingly outdated in favor of more descriptive terms that better align with contemporary consumer values.