According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink may be labeled “diet” as long as that designation is not considered “false or misleading.” This terminology, which has been commonly used by soda companies to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options, has persisted for decades despite facing various challenges. In 2015, the consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know submitted a petition requesting that the federal government classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading. However, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA did not take any action on it.
While the term has been accepted, its relevance is increasingly questionable. Current lawsuits could alter the way soft drinks and other products are marketed. Today’s consumers approach dieting differently than previous generations, leading to varied interpretations of the “diet” label. Outside the beverage realm, the use of the term has diminished significantly. Rather than adhering to the traditional low-sugar and low-fat diets of the past, individuals monitoring their diets today may prefer foods with a broader health appeal, such as less processed items or products that align with specialized diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of court outcomes, manufacturers may recognize that the “diet” label lacks specificity regarding what consumers can expect from sugar-free and low-calorie sodas.
Manufacturers might consider abandoning the “diet” label altogether, as the overall market share for sodas has declined in recent years, with diet sodas experiencing an even sharper drop. These beverages have fallen out of favor, potentially due to concerns about artificial sweeteners or studies linking diet soda consumption to health and weight issues. With limited discussions about diet sodas on social media, these drinks are likely to continue losing market traction.
In response, soft drink companies are innovating with sugar-free options that feature more straightforward product labels. A notable example is the U.S. launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie, sugar-free reformulation that hit shelves in August. Similarly, Pepsi Zero Sugar offers a comparable product but with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Additionally, Dr Pepper TEN presents a 10-calorie version of the classic drink. All these new beverage names convey much more than the term “diet” and may signal the decline of traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
Moreover, as consumers become more health-conscious, the importance of ingredients like calcium citrate is gaining attention, particularly concerning kidney health. This shift may lead consumers to seek beverages that emphasize their nutritional benefits, such as those incorporating calcium citrate, which can play a role in kidney health. This trend may further propel the move away from the conventional “diet” label, as manufacturers and consumers alike prioritize transparency and health-oriented messaging in their choices.