The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized a new rule redefining the “healthy” nutrient content claim on food packaging. This significant update aims to address the growing epidemic of preventable, diet-related chronic diseases in the United States by providing consumers with improved tools to make informed dietary choices.

This revised “healthy” claim aligns with the FDA’s commitment to nutrition and is part of a broader government initiative to combat diet-related health challenges. The updated definition will not only help consumers identify foods that support a healthy diet but also encourage food manufacturers to develop healthier products.

Empowering consumers through nutrition transparency

“It’s critical for the future of our country that food serves as a vehicle for wellness,” said FDA commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Improving access to clear and accurate nutrition information is one of the most impactful public health efforts the FDA can lead. The updated ‘healthy’ claim will help consumers find foundational, nutritious foods to support healthy eating patterns for themselves and their families.”

To qualify for the “healthy” claim under the updated criteria, food products must include meaningful amounts of at least one food group recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy, or grains. Additionally, they must meet specific limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Foods that meet these updated criteria include nutrient-rich options like nuts, seeds, salmon, olive oil, and even water.

The updated definition: A science-driven approach

The new definition reflects current nutritional science and incorporates recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including added sugars limits for the first time. This shift aligns with the FDA’s updated Nutrition Facts label, which now requires added sugars to be declared.

Data reveals that diet-related chronic diseases—including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes of disability in the U.S., contributing to the nation’s lower life expectancy compared to other high-income countries. Over 90% of Americans exceed daily sodium recommendations, 63% exceed added sugar guidelines, and many fall short on critical food groups like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Industry opportunities and consumer benefits

“Food labeling can be a catalyst for change,” said Jim Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. “This updated ‘healthy’ claim not only helps consumers identify nutritious foods but also encourages manufacturers to reformulate products, fostering a healthier food supply. Together, we can make ‘healthy’ an intuitive and impactful signal for better dietary choices.”

The FDA is also developing a “healthy” symbol that manufacturers can display on packaging, offering an additional visual cue to help consumers quickly identify qualifying foods. This initiative complements other FDA efforts, including Phase II voluntary sodium reduction targets and forthcoming rules on front-of-package nutrition labeling.

A collaborative approach to nutrition

As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA is partnering with organizations like Instacart to streamline consumer access to “healthy”-labeled foods through online grocery shopping features. These efforts are part of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Creating a healthier future

By updating the “healthy” claim and pursuing initiatives like the development of a symbol and front-of-package labeling, the FDA is strengthening its science-based approach to creating a healthier food supply. These actions support lifelong healthy eating patterns, reduce diet-related chronic diseases, and empower consumers to make informed choices for themselves and their families.