The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized new guidelines to redefine which foods can carry the “healthy” label, marking the first major update in over 30 years. Under these new standards, food products must meet stricter nutritional criteria, including limits on saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, to be labeled as “healthy.” This significant change aims to guide consumers toward making better food choices and improving public health outcomes.
Under the updated guidelines, foods will now be required to contain certain amounts of key nutrients from food groups outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Foods that previously carried the “healthy” label but don’t meet the new criteria—such as white bread, sugary cereals, and heavily sweetened yogurt—will no longer qualify.
On the other hand, more nutritious options, including nuts, seeds, salmon, olive oil, and certain peanut butters, as well as canned fruits and vegetables, will now be eligible to bear the “healthy” label. This move aims to reflect the latest nutrition science and provide consumers with clearer guidance on food choices that contribute to overall wellness.
According to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, this update is critical in promoting healthier eating habits across the country, especially as diet-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer remain leading causes of disability and premature death. Dr. Califf emphasized the importance of nutrition information in helping people make informed food choices that support long-term health.
“It’s critical for the future of our country that food be a vehicle for wellness,” said Dr. Califf. “Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns.”
The FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, Jim Jones, also highlighted the urgency of addressing diet-related diseases in the U.S., where the average diet exceeds recommended limits for sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats, while most diets lack sufficient fruits and vegetables.
“Food labeling can be a powerful tool for change,” Jones noted. “By updating the ‘healthy’ label, we hope to encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products and help consumers quickly identify healthier options in their shopping carts.”
The new “healthy” food labeling is voluntary for manufacturers, but those that meet the updated requirements will be allowed to use the label starting early next year. Companies that do not meet the new standards will have three years to adjust their products or reformulate their recipes to comply.
The FDA is also developing a new, easily recognizable symbol for “healthy” foods to be displayed on packaging, helping consumers quickly identify nutritious options in stores. Additionally, the agency is working on a comprehensive nutrition labeling plan that will place key information on the front of food packaging, complementing the more detailed ingredient labels on the back.
These initiatives are part of a broader national strategy aimed at improving public health, which was outlined by the Biden administration at the 2022 Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, expressed strong support for the new standards, stating that they would give consumers greater confidence when shopping for healthy foods. She also called for continued work on front-of-pack nutrition labeling, which could provide even more accessible information about the nutritional value of foods and beverages.
“While the new ‘healthy’ claim is a step in the right direction, it will only appear on a small number of packages,” Brown said. “A front-of-pack nutrition labeling system based on the best available science would provide valuable information and help consumers make healthier choices more easily.”
As food manufacturers begin to align with these new standards, consumers will have more tools to identify products that support a healthy lifestyle. The FDA’s updated “healthy” label is a promising step toward improving nutrition in the U.S. and helping individuals build better eating habits that can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
The new guidelines underscore the FDA’s commitment to enhancing food labeling transparency and promoting public health—ensuring that nutrition information is easy to understand and helping consumers make the best choices for themselves and their families.
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