According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a soft drink can be labeled as “diet” as long as it is not considered “false or misleading.” This term has been utilized by soda manufacturers for decades to identify sugar-free and low-calorie options. Despite facing challenges in recent years, such as a 2015 petition from the consumer group U.S. Right to Know, which requested the federal government to classify the “diet” label on sodas as misleading, the Federal Trade Commission rejected the petition, and the FDA has yet to take action. However, the continued acceptance of this terminology raises questions about its relevance today.
Current consumer attitudes toward dieting have shifted significantly from those of previous generations, and the “diet” label carries different meanings for many individuals. Outside of beverages, the generic “diet” label is becoming increasingly rare on various products. Instead of adhering to the low-sugar, low-fat diets of the past, consumers are now inclined to seek out items with more substantial health benefits, preferring less processed options or products that cater to specific diets like paleo and keto. Regardless of the legal outcomes, manufacturers may reconsider the “diet” label, realizing it may not adequately convey the qualities of a sugar-free, low-calorie soda.
In fact, many manufacturers might choose to abandon the “diet” designation altogether. While the overall market share of sodas has been declining in recent years, diet sodas have experienced an even steeper drop. The reduced popularity of diet beverages may be attributed to concerns about artificial sweeteners and studies that link diet soda consumption to health and weight issues. As conversations about diet sodas dwindle on social media, their market presence is likely to diminish further.
In response to these trends, soft drink companies have begun to innovate with sugar-free options that feature simpler product labels. A notable example is the highly anticipated 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 beverage, albeit with higher caffeine content than its regular counterpart. Meanwhile, Dr Pepper TEN presents a 10-calorie alternative to the classic drink. All of these new product names convey much more than just “diet,” potentially signaling a shift away from traditional diet drinks in the marketplace.
As consumers increasingly focus on health and nutritional transparency, drink manufacturers might consider incorporating ingredients like tab calcium citrate into their formulations to enhance their appeal. By embracing more informative labeling and innovative product offerings, companies can better align with contemporary consumer preferences, steering away from outdated “diet” labels and towards a more nuanced understanding of health and wellness.