Questions & Answers

What is the beverage industry's Clear on Calories commitment and why was it announced in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" anti-obesity campaign?

The beverage industry has a longstanding commitment to the health of our nation. We applaud First Lady Michelle Obama for her efforts to combat obesity and help families make informed choices as part of an active, healthy lifestyle with her "Let's Move!" initiative. In support of her call to action, the beverage industry has come together through a voluntary commitment to make the calories in their products even more clear and consumer-friendly by putting calorie information at consumers' fingertips at every point of purchase, including containers, company-controlled vending machines and on or near company-controlled fountain machines. This is yet another bold step by our industry to being part of the solution to the obesity challenge.

Where will the calorie label be located on the package?

The calorie label will be clearly visible to consumers on the front of the package. It will be placed on the lower third of the principle display panel, adjacent to the net contents declaration and without intervening text. Some containers may require a moderate adjustment in the location to accommodate configuration challenges. However, in all instances, the calorie label will be on the front of the package.

What does the calorie label look like and will specific fonts and font sizes be used?

Requirements for the tablet shape and presentation of information have been standardized to achieve a uniform look across all participating product labels.

• A tablet shape surrounds the calorie information to enhance the prominence of the calorie label.
• The font used is Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk BE Bold Condensed. 
• The label size will be proportionate to the size of the FDA-regulated net contents declarations. 
• All text will be capitalized.

In addition, the font size for the number of calories will be 150 percent larger than the size of the net content declaration for beverage containers 20 ounces or less and 118 percent larger than the size of the net content declaration for multi-serve beverage containers. Font sizes were defined to ensure that the focal point of the consumer information is the number of calories and that all text is noticeable and easy to understand. (Please see detailed Calorie Label Initiative and Style Guide for all specs.)

What does the Clear on Calories initiative mean for consumers?

Quite simply, calorie information will be readily available at consumers' fingertips before they purchase a product, whether at a grocery store, or a company-controlled vending or fountain machine. This initiative will further enhance consumer access to information about caloric content, making the calories on products more clear and visible so consumers can make the choice that is right for them at every point at which they purchase our products. More information further enables consumers to make the choices that are best for them at any given time.

What companies signed up for the commitment?

At this time, The Coca-Cola Company, Cott Beverages, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Honest Tea, Nestlé Waters North America, PepsiCo and Sunny Delight Beverages Co. are committed to the Clear on Calories initiative.

What type of calorie information will consumers see prior to point-of-purchase?

Consumers will see calorie information on the front of all beverage containers, as well as on company-controlled vending machines, and on or near company-controlled fountain equipment. Participating companies will display total calorie counts on the front of all beverage containers up to and including 20 fluid ounces; containers larger than 20 fluid ounces will be labeled per 12 fluid ounce serving for nearly all beverages. One hundred percent juices and juice drinks, per FDA request, will continue to use an 8 fluid ounce serving size.

In addition, calorie counts will be displayed on company-controlled vending machines and on or near company-controlled fountain equipment, though further guidance from FDA's regulatory rulemaking is needed to ensure compliance with new laws.

Will the calorie labels on all beverages be uniform and consistently placed?

Yes. Calorie labels will use the same shape, font size and placement requirements. Some especially small containers may require a moderate adjustment in the location to accommodate configuration challenges. However, in all instances, the calorie label will be on the front of the package.

What does the calorie label look like for packages 20 fluid ounces or smaller?

For containers 20 fluid ounces or smaller the calorie label will show total calorie counts per can or bottle as shown in the examples below:

What does the calorie label for multi-serve packaging look like?

For containers larger than 20 fluid ounces, the calorie label will show calories per 12 fluid ounce serving (per the example below on the left) for all beverages other than 100 percent juice and juice drinks, which will be labeled per 8 fluid ounce serving (per the example below on the right):

How will multi-pack wraps be labeled?

Multi-pack wraps will have the calorie label on the principal display panel, at a minimum, adjacent to the net content declaration.

What about labels on vending machines and fountain equipment?

Our commitment, including on vending machines and fountain equipment, was announced prior to the regulatory directives under health care reform. Therefore, to ensure regulatory compliance, we are now working within the regulatory process for how vending machines and fountain equipment will be labeled.

When will the beverage industry begin implementation?

Implementation of the front-of-pack calorie label began in 2010 and will be completed in early 2012. The companies began executing the program on their flagship products in the fall of 2010. Given the tens of thousands of brands and package configurations which must be redesigned to accommodate the calorie label, implementation will occur in phases throughout 2011 and into 2012.

How do consumers respond to the new label?

Our industry recognizes the importance of informed choice about the foods and beverages we purchase, and we hope that consumers will recognize that this is yet another effort by our industry to voluntarily provide them with nutrition information that can help them make more informed choices. We know that consumers are seeking this type of information and are confident that it will help them make the best choice for themselves and their families at any given time.

How else is the beverage industry being part of the solution to childhood obesity?

The beverage industry takes its commitment to being part of the solution to childhood obesity very seriously. The industry has already delivered on its commitment to change the beverage landscape in America's schools by removing full-calorie soft drinks and replacing them with more no- and low--calorie, and smaller portion beverage options. With the School Beverage Guidelines, our companies have slashed beverage calories shipped to schools by a dramatic 88 percent since 2004. Our industry also continues to innovate, bringing even more no- and low-calorie and portion-controlled beverage options to market. In fact, since 1998 there has been a 21 percent reduction in beverage calories in the marketplace due to this innovation. Furthermore, our members follow responsible practices regarding advertising and marketing to children that recognize the central role that parents and other caregivers should play in making choices for their children. Under these policies, the companies do not advertise full-calorie soft drinks on television programs aimed at children under 12.