Understanding the Updated 'Healthy' Standard
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the criteria for using the voluntary 'healthy' claim on food packaging in February 2025. This update was a significant shift from the previous definition, which was based on guidelines from the 1990s and narrowly focused on individual nutrients like total fat and cholesterol. The new standard is grounded in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and emphasizes a food's contribution to an overall healthy eating pattern. The key change was recognizing that many nutrient-dense foods, like avocados and salmon, could not previously bear the 'healthy' label due to their fat content, despite being part of a balanced diet. The new rules rectify this by considering the amount of beneficial food groups present while setting strict limits on less desirable components.
The Healthiest Food Groups as Defined by the FDA
To qualify for the 'healthy' claim, a packaged food product must contain a meaningful amount of a food group recommended by the Dietary Guidelines and adhere to limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Here are the foundational food groups and qualifying examples highlighted by the FDA:
- Vegetables and Fruits: These are cornerstone healthy foods. The updated rule makes it easier for fresh, frozen, canned, and dried varieties to qualify, provided they have limited added sugars or sodium. Whole fruits and vegetables with no added ingredients (except water) automatically qualify. The new guidelines make a clear distinction between whole fruit and fruit juice, promoting the former.
- Whole Grains: At least half of a person's grain intake should be whole grains. Products containing at least three-quarters of an ounce of whole-grain equivalent can now be labeled 'healthy' if they meet other criteria. This shift encourages a move away from refined grain products that often contain high levels of added sugars and sodium.
- Fat-free and Low-fat Dairy: This category includes milk, yogurt, and cheese. It's an important source of calcium and vitamin D. The criteria set specific limits on added sugars and saturated fat for dairy products. Fortified soy beverages also fall into this category and are recognized as healthy options.
- Protein Foods: This diverse group includes seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), nuts, seeds, and soy products. The updated rules allow higher-fat fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and avocados to now qualify for the 'healthy' claim, recognizing their beneficial nutrient profiles.
- Oils: Plant-based oils such as olive, canola, and sunflower oil are included in healthy eating patterns and now qualify for the 'healthy' claim under specific conditions.
Nutrient Limits and Labeling
The FDA's updated guidelines for the 'healthy' claim are not just about adding beneficial ingredients; they are equally focused on limiting harmful ones. Products must not exceed specific thresholds for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This change aligns with the Dietary Guidelines' recommendations to reduce intake of these components. For consumers, this means more transparent labeling that helps them avoid products with excessive amounts of these ingredients, which are linked to chronic diseases. The Nutrition Facts label, which the FDA also updated, is a critical tool for consumers to use in conjunction with the 'healthy' claim to compare products based on % Daily Value (%DV).
Table: Old vs. New FDA 'Healthy' Criteria
| Feature | Previous 'Healthy' Definition (1990s) | Updated 'Healthy' Definition (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Focused on individual nutrients, primarily limiting total fat and cholesterol. | Based on total dietary patterns and nutrient density, aligned with latest Dietary Guidelines. |
| Qualifying Foods | Often excluded nutritious foods like fatty fish and avocados due to fat content. | Includes fatty fish (salmon), nuts, seeds, and specific oils due to their overall nutrient profile. |
| Sugar | Only noted to limit calories from sugar generally. | Sets a specific limit of less than 10% of calories from added sugars. |
| Sodium | Variable limits, more restrictive for some populations. | Simple, clear limit of less than 230mg (10% DV) per serving for most products. |
| Cholesterol | Capped at 300mg/day as a nutrient of concern. | No longer considers dietary cholesterol a primary nutrient of concern. |
The Impact on Consumer Choices
The FDA's renewed focus on the overall dietary pattern and nutrient density is a positive step towards improving public health. The updated rules provide a more accurate and reliable signal for consumers seeking genuinely healthy options. While the 'healthy' claim is voluntary for manufacturers, its use encourages the food industry to reformulate products to meet the new criteria, potentially fostering a healthier food supply. Consumers can look for this updated claim on packaging to make informed choices. The shift emphasizes foundational foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, which are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. For more information on dietary guidelines, consider visiting the official U.S. government dietary guidelines website.
Conclusion
The updated FDA definition of 'healthy' is a modern, science-based approach to food labeling that empowers consumers to build better dietary habits. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, the guidelines promote a balanced and varied eating pattern. The new criteria and the clarity they provide on packaging labels are valuable tools for making healthier food choices for individuals and families across the country. Looking for the updated 'healthy' claim and using the Nutrition Facts label are excellent strategies for navigating the food landscape more effectively.
