Coffee is a “Healthy” Beverage as per the FDA Updated Definition

What happened?

The FDA’s updated definition allows calorie-free beverages, including coffee, to be labeled as “healthy”.

Why It Matters

The FDA’s updated definition of “healthy” reflects a significant shift in how we understand and promote nutrition. By aligning with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this redefinition is not just about semantics; it’s about providing consumers with the clarity and transparency they need to make informed food choices. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and sustainability, the food industry is under pressure to evolve.

Brands now have an opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure their products not only meet these new standards but actively contribute to healthier eating. This is a pivotal moment for the industry to rethink nutritional labeling and embrace innovation that meets the demand for clean, sustainable, and nutritionally balanced options.

What might come next…

• Clean-Labelled Coffee: Enable black coffee and unsweetened instant/filter coffee variants to carry the “healthy” label claim

• Scrutiny of Non-Compliant Products: Ready-to-drink coffee products may face stricter regulatory scrutiny over added sugar, milk, or flavoring content

• Beyond Beverages: The FDA’s redefinition may lead to broader product reformulations across food categories to meet the new “healthy” label claim