Coke Gets Fresh with Calorie Count

Calories will gain new importance on Coca-Cola labels when the company becomes one of the first drink makers to place such readings on packaging.

Almost all of the leading drink brand’s labels will contain a calorie count by the end of 2011.

Australia and Europe already have labels highlighting calories and the packaging roll-out is underway in the US and Mexico, according to a report by Reuters.

Coca Cola’s move comes at a time when food processing companies are under increasing pressure to provide nutritional information and promote healthy living.

In the US, consumers have been calling for taxes on sugary drinks and junk food – two causes of rising obesity rates.