FDA Approves Coffee with Less Than Five Calories as ‘Healthy’
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced updates to its guidelines on the use of the term “healthy” in food product labeling and marketing claims. According to the FDA, coffee beverages — including those mixed with certain other ingredients — can now be labeled as “healthy” if they contain fewer than five calories per serving.
This change, effective February 25, 2025, reflects the FDA’s effort to align food labeling with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The revised rules are aimed at helping consumers make informed decisions about foods and beverages that promote a nutritious diet.
Coffee’s Role in the New Definition of ‘Healthy’
The FDA’s five-calorie threshold is particularly significant for the coffee industry, as coffee drinks are among the top contributors to added sugars in the average American diet. Beverages exceeding this calorie limit, especially those with added sugars, fats, or high sodium, will not qualify for the “healthy” label under the updated guidelines.
The Associated Press mentioned that the new FDA regulations also broaden the “healthy” label criteria to include certain foods that were previously excluded, such as nuts, seeds, higher-fat fish like salmon, and certain oils. This marks a significant shift towards modern nutrition science.
Industry Response
U.S. National Coffee Association President Bill Murray applauded the FDA’s decision, stating:
“Decades of robust, independent scientific evidence show that coffee drinkers live longer, healthier, happier lives. The FDA is absolutely right that including coffee in the definition of ‘healthy’ can help consumers choose beverages that support a nutritious diet.”
Broader Implications
The FDA’s updated guidelines are part of a larger initiative to combat diet-related chronic diseases, which remain leading causes of death and disability in the United States. The Associated Press further highlighted that manufacturers will have until February 2028 to fully comply with the new labeling rules, though they may begin implementing the updated “healthy” criteria sooner.
