Coke to list calorie info more prominently

Coke drinkers will soon have a better idea of how many calories they are consuming.

Coca-Cola Co. said Friday it will will put information about calories on the front of all packages for its U.S. beverages starting next year.

Like all food products, Coca-Cola beverages already have nutrition panels on the back of the packaging. The new labels will put calories-per-serving and servings-per-container information on the front.

“We view our label as a powerful tool for education, an opportunity to communicate with consumers every time they choose one of our products at the store or have a Coca-Cola beverage on their table,” said Celeste Bottorff, vice president of Coca-Cola’s Living Well initiatives, in a press statement.

Coca-Cola and other soft-drink makers have been under fire for years from health-related organizations for contributing to rising rates in obesity.

Coca-Cola’s portfolio includes Coke soft drinks, Sprite and Fanta as well as a host of non-carbonated beverages such as Powerade, Vitaminwater, Fuze and Minute Maid.