Guwahati: In a significant milestone for the global tea industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially classified tea as a ‘healthy’ beverage. This landmark decision underscores tea’s role as a health-promoting, low-calorie drink, further bolstering its appeal among health-conscious consumers. The development presents a timely opportunity for India—the world’s second-largest tea producer—to position its tea as a wellness beverage on the global stage.
The FDA issued a final rule to update the “healthy” nutrient content claim, aiming to help consumers identify foods that serve as the foundation of a diet consistent with dietary recommendations. Manufacturers can voluntarily use the “healthy” claim on packaging if their products meet the updated criteria.
“The ‘healthy’ claim can empower consumers by providing a quick signal on food package labels to help identify foundational foods for building healthy dietary patterns. The claim could be especially helpful for those less familiar with nutritional information,” the FDA noted. The updated guidelines reflect an evolving understanding of dietary patterns, emphasising the role of low-calorie beverages in promoting public health.
Under the new FDA guidelines, tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant—which includes green, black, white, and oolong teas—qualifies for the “healthy” label. This classification aligns with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025), which recommend low-calorie drinks like water, tea, and coffee as preferable alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages. The FDA’s criteria allow plain and flavored teas to bear the “healthy” claim, provided they contain fewer than 5 calories per serving and adhere to the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC).
“We agree that tea is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. For example, we previously recognised that green tea is made from Camellia sinensis in our response to a qualified health claim petition regarding the relationship between green tea and certain cancers. The comments state that herbal infusions are derived from a broad range of plants and mixtures, making it unclear how such a vast category could consistently help consumers maintain healthy dietary practices. We therefore extend automatic qualification for the ‘healthy’ claim to tea derived from Camellia sinensis and not to herbal infusions,” the FDA explained.
The FDA also highlighted, “Including unsweetened coffee and tea, alongside plain and carbonated water, as beverages that automatically qualify to bear the ‘healthy’ claim aligns with recommendations from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines. According to these guidelines, calorie-free beverages such as water, coffee, and tea without added sugar or cream should be primary choices. Evidence on health outcomes of coffee and tea further supports these recommendations. Allowing these beverages to qualify for the ‘healthy’ claim can expand consumer options for maintaining a healthy dietary pattern within calorie limits.”
“Tea is now officially recognised as a ‘healthy’ beverage, and tea can now claim this descriptor for use! Fantastic,” Peter F. Goggi, President of the Tea Association of the U.S.A., shared in a statement.
Experts believe the new “healthy” designation will benefit tea producers by enhancing marketability while giving consumers greater confidence in tea’s role in a balanced diet.
“We are extremely happy to know that tea derived from Camellia sinensis has been recognised as a ‘healthy’ beverage by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research worldwide has consistently demonstrated the health benefits of drinking tea. Tea is a wonder drink. We urge the Government of India to promote tea as a healthy, lifestyle, and wellness beverage,” said Bidyananda Barkakoty, Adviser to the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and former Vice Chairman of the Tea Board India.
“Tea companies need to leverage this recognition in their advertising campaigns,” suggested a tea industry expert from Assam.
In India, food labeling and health claims are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI’s rules for “health claims” require scientific evidence and compliance with its Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
The FDA emphasised the importance of consumer education in using the “healthy” label to promote dietary patterns that include nutrient-dense foods and beverages while avoiding overconsumption, even of “healthy” products.
As one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, tea’s newly recognised status as a “healthy” drink is set to enhance its cultural and commercial significance. For India’s tea industry, this moment presents a unique opportunity to amplify tea’s role in health and wellness—not only in international markets but also within India’s own growing health-conscious consumer base.
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