Kickstart Your New Year: What the FDA’s Latest Updates on ‘Healthy’ Claims Mean for You

The FDA has made a big change after many years. For the first time since the 1990s, they updated the rules for what can be labeled as “healthy” on food packaging. These new requirements reflect modern nutrition science and aim to guide consumers more accurately.

Starting February 25, 2025, food companies can begin using these new “healthy” standards. They must fully comply by February 25, 2028. This means that both the labeling on products and claims made on websites and social media must follow the new guidelines.

Previously, the “healthy” criteria were set in 1994 and focused mainly on specific nutrients. Back then, the rules put limits on things like saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium while also requiring certain vitamins and minerals. This meant that healthy foods like nuts, seeds, and certain fish couldn’t carry the “healthy” label because they had higher fat content. Ironically, sugary yogurts and cereals could qualify as healthy under those old standards.

Nutrition science has changed quite a bit since the 90s, and the new regulations reflect that. Now, to be labeled as “healthy,” a food must:

• Include food from at least one recommended food group, such as fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.
• Respect limits on added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and beans automatically meet these updated criteria. Interestingly, even water is considered “healthy” now!

With these new rules, brands that meet the “healthy” criteria will likely be more vocal in their advertising. Those that don’t meet the standards may try to pivot and present their products as part of a broader corporate philosophy instead. A past example includes KIND bars, which faced scrutiny from the FDA for not fully meeting the requirements but got the green light for using the term “healthy” in a different context about their philosophy.

As companies start to navigate these changes, we could see increased attention from regulators and consumers. Lawsuits have already arisen over claims that certain high-sugar products are misleadingly labeled as “healthy.” This highlights that as companies adapt, they will need to be vigilant about how they market their products.

In summary, companies can start using the new “healthy” claims in 2025, but they must fully comply by 2028. Not following these rules can lead to serious consequences, including warnings from the FDA or even product recalls.

Note: This information serves as a general guide. For specific advice, it’s best to consult an expert.