Introduction
Ever wondered what truly qualifies as “healthy” when it comes to food? The FDA’s new final rule on “Healthy” claim has made it easier for you to find products that align with your health goals. As more and more consumers, like you, seek foods that offer real nutritional benefits, these changes ensure that labelling is clearer, helping you make smarter, more informed decisions about the products you bring into your home.
With a large number of products flooding the market, we know that when it comes to making an informed choice today’s food labels can be overwhelming. You often come across food products with packaging that boasts “healthy” claims, but how can you be sure? If you are looking or herbal products, this makes you wonder how find top quality herbal products.
across food products with packaging that boasts “healthy” claims, but how can you be sure? It’s easy to get confused with a sea of misleading labels, which can lead to poor choices. You end up buying and eating food that don’t truly nourish your body. This negatively impacts your overall health and wellness. The confusion surrounding what qualifies as “healthy” can leave you feeling uncertain, leading to decisions that don’t support your long-term health and wellness.
Whether you are a health conscious person, committed to making better food choices or someone keen on weight management, boosting your immune system, or simply feeling your best, then understanding the FDA’s new guidelines is key. These revisions were made for you, the health-conscious consumer, to help you make decisions that are not only easy but also aligned with the latest nutritional science.
You’ve probably already noticed the rise of natural foods, herbal remedies, and clean-label products that align with your healthy lifestyle. Now, thanks to the FDA’s updated definition of “healthy,” these products are officially recognized as excellent choices for supporting your health goals.
With a focus on whole foods and nutrient-dense ingredients, these herbal products—like teas, tinctures, and supplements—are poised to become even more valuable to your wellness journey.
Here we will provide you with a comprehensive science-backed guide to the FDA’s revised definition of “healthy” and show you how herbal products like teas, tinctures, and supplements fit perfectly into these new guidelines. You will find out how these natural remedies, rich in bioactive compounds, can play a key role in supporting a balanced, nutrient-dense lifestyle that helps you live healthier and feel better.
Key Statistics
This becomes all the more important if you take a look at the shocking statistics provided in a recent post on the FDA’s official website. Here are the statistics:
- 75% of the people in US have dietary pattern low in vegetables, fruits and calories.
- 63% of the food products exceed the limit for added sugar
- 77% of the food products exceed the limit for saturated fat
- 90% of the food products exceed the chronic diseases risk reduction limit for sodium
Updated Guidelines for “Healthy”
The FDA’s revised standards move away from outdated criteria, which primarily focused on limiting fats and cholesterol, and now emphasize foods’ overall nutritional quality. To qualify as “healthy” under the updated rules, a product must:
- Contain a meaningful amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans—fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, or protein foods.
- Meet specific limits for added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. These nutrients, when consumed in excess, increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
- For example, a snack high in added sugar, even if low in fat, no longer qualifies as “healthy.” Instead, the focus is on nutrient-dense foods that contribute positively to overall dietary patterns.
The Core Principles of the Updated “Healthy” Claim
The updated “healthy” claim is built upon two key pillars:
1. Food Group Requirements
To qualify for the “healthy” label, a food product must contain a meaningful amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These include fruits, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy, and protein foods. This requirement moves away from simply focusing on individual nutrients, towards encouraging the consumption of whole foods that make up a healthy dietary pattern.
2. Nutrient Limits
In addition to the food group requirements, the new “healthy” claim sets specific limits for added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. These limits are designed to encourage moderation in the consumption of these nutrients which are often over consumed in the typical diet.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and limits vary depending on the type of product – whether it is an individual food item, a mixed product, or a main dish/meal. The criteria are based on a “Reference Amount Customarily Consumed,” which helps to establish a standard for serving size and nutrient content.
Key Nutrients the FDA Prioritizes
The FDA prioritizes foods that are:
- Low in added sugars: A significant contributor to obesity and diabetes.
- Low in saturated fats: Linked to elevated cholesterol and heart disease risk.
- Low in sodium: Excessive sodium intake is a major driver of hypertension.
These criteria create a shift toward whole foods and away from heavily processed items.
The Role of Herbal Products
Many herbal products—such as teas and supplements—naturally align with the FDA’s updated definition of “healthy.” For instance, herbal teas like chamomile, green tea, and peppermint are naturally free of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Additionally, herbal supplements derived from ingredients like turmeric or ashwagandha offer concentrated benefits without unnecessary additives, making them excellent candidates under the new guidelines.
Nutritional Benefits of Herbal Products
Herbal products boast a wide range of nutritional and therapeutic benefits that align with modern wellness goals. “ Some of the health effects attributed to herbs and spices include antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects as well as potential protection against cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, type 2 diabetes, and cancer,” states a study.
Another study on the health benefits of herbal infusions says that such benefits include improving sleep quality and glycaemic control. “Most herbal infusions serve as a good source of flavonoids and other polyphenols in the human diet. Studies included in this paper indicate that herbal infusions (1-3 cups tended to be drank daily; infusion rates up to 15 min) could benefit certain aspects of health. In particular, this includes aspects of sleep quality and glycaemic control (German chamomile), osteoarthritic stiffness and hormone control (spearmint), oxidative stress (lemon balm) and primary dysmenorrhea (rosehip),” says the study.
Here are the key benefits of herbs:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Many herbal teas, such as green tea, are loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Adaptogens for Stress: Herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil (tulsi) are adaptogens known for their ability to help the body manage stress.
- Digestive Health: Herbal teas such as ginger and fennel support digestive wellness by alleviating bloating and indigestion.
- Immune Support: Herbs like echinacea and elderberry enhance the immune system, making them invaluable during cold and flu seasons.
Now let us take a brief glance at the health benefits of widely used herbs:
| Herb | Benefits |
| Echinacea | Boosts immune function, shortens cold duration, mixed research results. |
| Garlic | Antimicrobial, supports heart health, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and may offer cancer protection. |
| Ginger | Anti-inflammatory, helps with nausea, muscle pain, and digestive issues. |
| Peppermint | Aids digestion, relieves bloating and gas, soothes headaches, and supports respiratory health. |
| Turmeric | Contains curcumin, supports joint health, digestion, and reduces inflammation. |
| Ashwagandha | Adaptogen, reduces stress, anxiety, improves cognitive function, and lowers cortisol levels. |
| Chamomile | Mild sedative, reduces stress and anxiety, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties. |
Why Herbal Products Are a Perfect Fit
Supporting Dietary Patterns
The FDA’s guidelines align with the growing emphasis on plant-based eating, making herbal products an integral part of a healthy diet. Whether it’s a detoxifying green tea or a nutrient-rich herbal supplement, these products complement balanced dietary patterns aimed at longevity and disease prevention.
The Rise of Natural, Plant-Based Solutions
Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and plant-based alternatives to overly processed foods. This trend highlights a shift toward products that emphasize wholesome ingredients and minimal additives. Herbal products such as teas and supplements fit seamlessly into this wellness-focused lifestyle.
Replacing Sugary or Processed Foods
Herbal teas provide an excellent substitute for sugary beverages, delivering hydration and nutrients without the added sugar. Similarly, herbal supplements offer a concentrated source of health benefits without the excessive sodium or artificial ingredients found in many processed snacks.
Incorporating Herbal Products into Your Daily Diet
Practical Ways to Add Herbal Products
- Morning Rituals: Start your day with a calming cup of chamomile tea or a rejuvenating green tea.
- Meal Enhancements: Use infused oils made with herbs like rosemary or basil to enhance flavor while adding nutrients.
- Snack Swaps: Replace sugary snacks with herbal-infused beverages like iced hibiscus tea.
Herbal Recipes
- Turmeric Latte: Combine turmeric powder with almond milk, cinnamon, and a touch of honey for an anti-inflammatory drink.
- Lavender-Infused Smoothie: Blend fresh lavender with bananas, yogurt, and honey for a calming treat.
Tips for Choosing Quality Products
- Look for FDA-compliant labels that clearly state ingredients and nutrient content.
- Choose products from reputable brands to ensure authenticity and safety.
What This Means for the Herbal Product Industry
Opportunities for Herbal Brands
The FDA’s updated definition opens doors for herbal brands to position their products as health-focused solutions. By adhering to the new standards, brands can market herbal teas and supplements as integral components of a nutrient-rich lifestyle.
Marketing Advantages
Products that meet the “healthy” label criteria can be promoted as FDA-compliant, enhancing their appeal to consumers who prioritize health-conscious choices.
Challenges and Strategies
- Accurate Labeling: Ensuring that all herbal products meet the nutrient thresholds for added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
- Consumer Education: Helping customers understand the benefits of choosing FDA-compliant herbal products through transparent labeling and marketing campaigns.
What Foods Now Qualify for the “Healthy” Label?
The new rules have opened up the opportunity for herbal products to shine. While processed foods may not fit the bill, naturally nutrient-dense foods like herbal teas and supplements now meet the FDA’s “healthy” criteria, making them a great choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a nutritious and clean diet.
The new rules have opened up the “healthy” label to a wider range of foods that are considered nutrient-dense and aligned with current dietary advice. Foods that automatically qualify for the “healthy” claim due to their nutrient profiles include:
| Category | Details |
| Vegetables | All fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables with no added ingredients. |
| Fruits | All fresh, frozen, and canned fruits with no added ingredients. |
| Whole Grains | Foods made with whole grains. |
| Fat-Free and Low-Fat Dairy | Milk, yogurt, and cheese with no added sugars. |
| Lean Game Meat | Lean game meats. |
| Seafood | Various types of seafood. |
| Eggs | Whole eggs. |
| Beans, Peas, and Lentils | All varieties. |
| Nuts and Seeds | All varieties with no added ingredients. |
| Water | Plain water. |
| Avocados | Whole avocados. |
| Higher Fat Fish | Fish such as salmon. |
| Olive Oil | Olive oil and other minimally processed oils. |
This means that consumers can now confidently reach for these foods, knowing that they meet the FDA’s criteria for “healthy” and contribute to a balanced diet.
Foods That No Longer Qualify
Just as the updated guidelines have expanded the list of foods that qualify as “healthy,” they have also excluded some products that previously made the cut. Products that may have previously qualified under the original claim, but no longer meet the criteria include:
- Fortified White Bread: White bread that had previously been fortified with nutrients to reach the old threshold.
- Highly Sweetened Yogurt: Some yogurts contain too much added sugar and do not qualify under the updated guidelines.
- Highly Sweetened Cereal: Cereals that are high in added sugars.
These changes reflect the FDA’s shift away from a focus on simply adding nutrients to a product and toward the promotion of whole, minimally processed foods that align with healthy dietary patterns.
Detailed Nutrient Limits for Various Food Groups
To further illustrate the criteria, here are some of the specific nutrient limits for various food groups, per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC):
Here is the detailed information presented in table format:
| Category | Requirement | Maximum Added Sugar | Maximum Sodium | Maximum Saturated Fat | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grains | 3/4 oz whole-grain equivalent | 10% DV (5 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g) | |
| Dairy | 2/3 cup equivalent | 5% DV (2.5 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 10% DV (2 g) | |
| Vegetables | 1/2 cup equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g) | |
| Fruits | 1/2 cup equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g) | |
| Game Meat | 1 ½ oz equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 10% DV (2 g) | |
| Seafood | 1 oz equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g)** | Saturated fat inherent in seafood excluded. |
| Egg | 1 egg | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 10% DV (2 g) | |
| Beans, Peas, Lentils | 1 oz equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g) | |
| Nuts, Seeds, Soy | 1 oz equivalent | 2% DV (1 g) | 10% DV (230 mg) | 5% DV (1 g)** | Saturated fat inherent in nuts/seeds excluded. |
| 100% Oil | 0% DV added sugar | 0% DV | 20% total fat | ||
| Oil-Based Spreads | 30% oil minimum | 0% DV | 10% DV | 20% total fat | |
| Oil-Based Dressing | 30% oil minimum | 2% DV | 10% DV | 20% total fat |
These guidelines show a clear effort by the FDA to make the “healthy” label more consistent with current recommendations for healthy eating. The focus has shifted from simply adding nutrients to a product to encouraging consumption of whole, minimally processed foods.
Mixed Products and Meals
Mixed Products
These must contain at least 1 total food group equivalent with at least 1/4 food group equivalent from 2 or more food groups. For example, a product with 1/8 cup dried fruit and 1/4 oz nuts could meet this requirement.
Nutrient limits
2 g saturated fat, 230 mg sodium, 2.5 g added sugar.
Meals:
A meal must contain at least 3 total food group equivalents with at least 1/2 food group equivalent from 3 or more food groups. For example, a meal with 1 oz salmon, 1/2 cup green beans, and 3/4 oz brown rice could meet this requirement.
Nutrient limits
4 g saturated fat, 690 mg sodium, 10 g added sugar.
The “Healthy” Symbol: A Future Tool
Beyond the updated claim, the FDA is also exploring the development of a “healthy” symbol for food labels. This symbol would serve as a visual cue, making it even easier for consumers to identify products that meet the “healthy” criteria. The FDA has conducted preliminary consumer research and continues to work on developing this additional tool.
What the FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim Means For You
The FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim is more than just a change to food labeling; it’s an effort to empower consumers with more accurate and useful information. This updated claim will help consumers make healthier food choices more quickly and easily.
By aligning with current nutritional science and dietary guidance, the updated “healthy” claim will help people to focus on overall eating patterns and not on specific nutrients alone. This should help consumers to incorporate more whole, minimally processed foods into their diets and improve their overall health.
The changes will help to shift away from foods that have been artificially fortified to meet the old guidelines, and promote the consumption of foods that are naturally nutrient-dense and contribute to healthy eating patterns.
Conclusion
The FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim represent a significant step toward transparency and healthier choices in the food industry. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and minimizing harmful ingredients, the updated standards empower consumers to make better decisions.
Whether you’re sipping a cup of green tea or taking a turmeric supplement, herbal products are an ideal way to enhance your diet and support your health. What’s your take on the FDA’s new final rule of the “healthy” claim? Let us know in the comments section.
FAQ: FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim
How do herbal products qualify as “healthy” under the FDA’s updated definition?
Herbal products qualify as “healthy” under the FDA’s updated guidelines by meeting specific nutritional criteria, such as being low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. They must also offer meaningful contributions to health through their bioactive compounds, which provide various health benefits like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and stress relief.
- Products like herbal teas, tinctures, and supplements naturally meet these criteria, making them ideal candidates to be labeled as “healthy” in line with the FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim. By being free from harmful additives and rich in nutrients, herbal products are a great fit for promoting wellness and supporting modern dietary patterns.
Can herbal teas with natural sweeteners still be labeled as “healthy”?
Yes, herbal teas that include natural sweeteners can still be labeled as “healthy,” but it depends on the amount used. The FDA allows products to qualify as “healthy” as long as the added sugar content is minimal and within specific limits.
For instance, herbal teas with small amounts of honey or stevia as natural sweeteners may still meet the nutritional criteria if the total sugar content stays within the FDA’s recommended thresholds. Therefore, while herbal teas can remain healthful with added sweetness, it’s essential to keep the sugar content low to maintain the “healthy” label.
What are the best herbal products to meet daily nutritional needs?
Several herbal products are excellent for supporting daily health and nutritional needs. Turmeric supplements, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, are a great option to help manage joint health and inflammation.
Echinacea tea is widely recognized for its immune-boosting abilities, making it a go-to during cold and flu season. Chamomile tea offers calming effects, promoting better sleep and relaxation. These herbal products, rich in antioxidants, adaptogens, and other beneficial compounds, align with the FDA’s updated definition of “healthy” and can be a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
Key Takeaways: FDA’s New Final Rule on “Healthy” Claim
- FDA Aligns “Healthy” Claim with Latest Nutritional Science
The FDA’s updated “healthy” claim now reflects the most current nutritional science, making it easier for consumers to choose foods that truly contribute to their well-being. - Two Key Criteria for Foods to Qualify as “Healthy”
To earn the “healthy” label, foods must meet two primary criteria: - Include significant portions of food from essential food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy, and protein foods.
- Meet strict limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats to ensure a balanced, nutrient-dense product.
- Limits on Nutrients Based on Product Type
The nutrient limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats vary based on the type of food—whether it’s a single product, a mixed dish, or a full meal. These limits are tied to the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC). - Nutrient-Dense Foods That Qualify for the “Healthy” Label
Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds automatically qualify for the “healthy” claim. Even wholesome products like water, avocados, and higher-fat fish (such as salmon) meet the new guidelines. - Foods No Longer Qualifying Under the “Healthy” Label
Certain foods that once qualified as “healthy” no longer meet the updated criteria. Products like fortified white bread, highly sweetened yogurts, and sugary cereals are excluded under the new guidelines. - Nutrient Limits for Different Food Categories Explained
Specific limits for added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat depend on the food group. For example, a grain product can only have 10% DV of added sugar (5g), 10% DV of sodium (230mg), and 5% DV of saturated fat (1g) to be considered “healthy.” - FDA Symbol to Indicate “Healthy” Products
The FDA is working on a symbol that manufacturers can use to show consumers that their products meet the updated “healthy” standards, making it easier for health-conscious shoppers to make informed decisions. - Impact on Public Health and Chronic Disease Prevention
These changes aim to empower consumers with clearer labeling, leading to healthier food choices and contributing to improved public health by addressing diet-related chronic diseases. - Finalization of the FDA’s “Healthy” Claim Rule
The “healthy” claim rule was officially finalized on December 19, 2024, with the information being current as of December 20, 2024.
