In December 2024, the FDA updated the criteria for using the term “healthy” on food labels.

This conversation is crucial because current dietary habits of many Americans fall short of recommended guidelines. According to the FDA, a significant portion of the population:

• Consumes insufficient amounts of essential nutrients: 75% of individuals have diets lacking in crucial fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
• Exceeds recommended sugar intake: 63% consume more added sugars than is considered healthy.
• Consumes excessive sodium: A staggering 90% of individuals exceed the recommended limits for sodium intake, which is a major risk factor for chronic diseases.

Outlined below are some of the key changes:  

• Focus on Nutrient Density: The updated criteria prioritize nutrient-rich foods that align with current dietary guidelines, emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
  • Focus on Nutrient Density: The updated criteria prioritize nutrient-rich foods that align with current dietary guidelines, emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
  • Eligibility for “Healthy”:
    • Automatic Qualification:
      • Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein sources, and oils.  
      • Water, tea, and certain coffees.  
    • Criteria for Other Foods:
      • Foods must meet specific limits on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium while also containing enough food from a designated food group.
  • Changes in Eligibility:
    • New “Healthy” Foods: Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil now qualify due to their nutritional benefits.
    • Ineligible Foods: Some previously “healthy” foods, such as highly sweetened cereals and yogurts, no longer qualify under the updated criteria.

  In essence, the FDA’s updated “Healthy” claim aims to provide consumers with a clearer and more accurate guide to making healthier food choices. There is not currently a standardized graphic to illustrate that a food meets the “healthy” criteria, but this has been an active FDA initiative since 2021. Ready to develop your next healthy product with Imbibe (the compliance date isn’t until February 2028, but there’s no time like the present!)? Connect with us.

  For more information, including a tremendous resource with examples of food groups and food group equivalent minimums, click here