Latest news with #artificialsweeteners
Health Line
9 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke: What's the Difference?
There isn't much difference between Coke Zero and Diet Coke. You can drink either coke if you want to reduce your sugar intake, as both of them contain artificial sweeteners. You've likely heard that limiting the amount of added sugar in your diet is important for your health. People who regularly consume sodas may try switching to sodas made with artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners to reduce their added sugar intake. These alternatives make products taste sweet but don't lead to the blood sugar increases that traditional sugar may cause. Diet drinks are a way to avoid added sugars in beverages, but more recently, sodas with 'zero' in their name have hit the market alongside them. Coca-Cola is a popular example of a brand with both 'diet' and 'zero' varieties. If you're wondering about the differences between Coke Zero and Diet Coke — and how to determine which is a better choice for you — read on. Nutrition facts and ingredients of Coke Zero and Diet Coke Below are the ingredients and nutrition facts for both Coke Zero and Diet Coke. In this section, we'll break down some of the key differences and similarities you may want to consider. Coke Zero nutrition facts Coke Zero's ingredients include: carbonated water caramel color phosphoric acid aspartame potassium benzoate (to protect taste) natural flavors potassium citrate acesulfame potassium caffeine It also contains the amino acid phenylalanine, so people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid it. A 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of Coke Zero provides: Calories: 0 Total fat: 0 grams (g) Sodium: 40 milligrams (mg) Total carbohydrate s: 0 g Total sugars: 0 g Protein: 0 g Potassium: 60 mg Caffeine: 34 mg Coke Zero contains no added sugars since it uses artificial sweeteners instead. It comes in a variety of flavors, including cherry, cherry vanilla, orange vanilla, and vanilla. Coke Zero also has less caffeine than Diet Coke. Caffeine-free Coke Zero is also available. Diet Coke nutrition facts Diet Coke's ingredients include: carbonated water caramel color aspartame phosphoric acid potassium benzoate (to protect taste) natural flavors citric acid caffeine Like Coke Zero, Diet Coke contains the amino acid phenylalanine, so people with PKU should avoid it. A 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of Diet Coke provides: Calories: 0 Total fat: 0 g Sodium: 40 mg Total carbohydrate: 0 g Total sugars: 0 g Protein: 0 g Caffeine: 46 mg Diet Coke contains no added sugars since it uses artificial sweeteners instead. Regular Diet Coke uses aspartame, but you can also purchase a variety of Diet Coke that's made with Splenda, a brand of sucralose. Flavor varieties of Diet Coke include ginger lime and feisty cherry. Like Coke Zero, Diet Coke also comes in a caffeine-free version. Key differences between Coke Zero and Diet Coke These products are essentially the same, especially regarding their main selling point: not containing sugar. What differs between the two is the type of sweetener they contain, as well as their caffeine content, although these two differences are still unlikely to be significant to most people. While Diet Coke uses aspartame as its sweetening agent, Coke Zero uses both aspartame and acesulfame potassium, also called 'Ace K' or 'acesulfame K.' Acesulfame potassium is another calorie-free sweetener that passes through the body without raising blood sugar levels. Per Diet Coke's ingredient label, its primary sweetener is aspartame, and since ingredients are listed in order by weight, it's reasonable to assume that it contains much less acesulfame potassium. This means that these drinks are quite similar in terms of ingredients. The other key difference is caffeine content. Coke Zero has less caffeine than Diet Coke. However, both beverages are well below the recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 mg per day for adults. One debatable difference is the taste of these two drinks. Some say they cannot taste a difference, while others swear by either Diet Coke or Coke Zero as tasting closest to the 'real deal.' Taste comparison As of late, Coca-Cola writes on its website and in its most recent marketing materials that it has developed a new recipe for Coke Zero. The company doesn't go into detail about how it has changed but maintains that it 'has more real Coca-Cola flavor, still without any sugar'. Coke Zero has a slightly different aftertaste than Diet Coke, likely due to its acesulfame potassium. Diet Coke tastes more like regular Coke to many people. However, for some, it's the reverse. Neither tastes just like the original Coca-Cola. Depending on multiple factors — like whether you get it from a beverage fountain, in a can, or in a bottle — each type may have a slightly different taste. Potential side effects For most, not many harmful side effects come from drinking carbonated beverages in moderation. However, caffeine and artificial sweeteners may negatively affect some people, even at moderate intake levels. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults have no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. That's about 4 cups of coffee, or nine or eleven 12-ounce (355-mL) cans of Diet Coke or Coke Zero, respectively. So, you're unlikely to exceed the limit by drinking these sodas in moderation. If you're highly sensitive to caffeine, though, you may want to watch your intake of these beverages. Otherwise, they contain a relatively low amount of caffeine. Aspartame may cause headaches for some people, according to the American Migraine Foundation. While this effect may vary, it's good to know ahead of time so you can connect the dots if you start experiencing headaches after drinking these beverages. In addition, some research has indicated that aspartame may be carcinogenic. More long-term, high quality human studies are necessary before we can connect aspartame to cancer. A concluded that products containing aspartame are safe to consume by the general population at current levels. However, it may pose certain health risks for certain populations, such as: people with seizures neurological conditions people with phenylketonuria people who are pregnant Those who take a more cautious approach to ingredients in foods may want to avoid aspartame, and that's OK. However, it's worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers aspartame safe. Similar to aspartame, acesulfame potassium has been evaluated for potential carcinogenic effects. Again, however, the evidence is unclear, and more long-term, high quality human studies are necessary. Acesulfame potassium is FDA approved. Which is a better choice? There are very few differences between Diet Coke and Coke Zero. As such, there is no concrete, measurable reason to suggest that one is superior to the other. Nutritionally, there are no significant differences. Their ingredient and caffeine contents are similar as well, so neither is healthier than the other. Remember that diet soda is not considered a healthy drink. It's a fun treat that can be consumed in moderation — and switching from original sodas to diet ones is a great starting place if you're trying to cut back on added sugars. Whichever you choose will depend largely on which tastes better to you. Coke Zero has been said to taste more like regular Coke, but some people feel differently and even prefer Diet Coke over regular Coke. Tips for reducing diet soda intake With the conflicting evidence surrounding artificial sweeteners, you may be wondering how you can get your fizzy fix while limiting your artificial sweetener intake. Here are some ideas you can try: Flavored waters: Calorie-free flavored waters can be refreshing and hydrating. Consider them as a healthy addition to your fridge or cooler. Kombucha: Kombucha is a probiotic-filled beverage that promotes healthy gut bacteria and is naturally fizzy due to the fermentation process. Most kombuchas have less sugar than regular sodas, but compare labels to ensure you're not overdoing it on added sugars. Probiotic sodas: Some brands of probiotic 'soda' are similar to kombucha. They're designed to taste similar to soda but have far less sugar. Their benefits are similar to those of kombucha due to the probiotics. Stevia sodas: Several brands of fizzy drinks mimic popular soda flavors and contain no artificial sweeteners. Instead, these sodas use plant-based alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. They still taste similar to soda but have no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sparkling water: If it's fizz you're after rather than the sweetness, sparkling waters may come to your rescue. While they're not always sweet, they still provide carbonation without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. The bottom line If you want to limit added sugars, sodas made with artificial sweeteners — like Diet Coke and Coke Zero — may seem like a good choice. While some of the artificial sweeteners in these two drinks have faced controversy over their potential negative health effects, consuming either beverage in moderation should not be a concern, especially when compared with the negative effects of their sugar-laden alternative. Coke Zero and Diet Coke are essentially the same nutritionally. They differ mostly in their flavor.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Drinking Diet Coke has been tied to heart health risks. Here's what you should know
Drinking Diet Coke and other similar beverages may be associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, among other health issues, according to new research. Although the reason remains unclear, some scientists say the drink's artificial sweeteners may trigger inflammation and alter metabolism, gut and blood vessels. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said the sweeteners may promote type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. 'Do not take it for granted that drinking low-sugar and low-calorie artificially sweetened beverages is healthy, it may pose potential health risks,' Dr. Ningjian Wang, a researcher at the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital in China, said in a statement. People with diabetes or those trying to lose weight may turn to artificial sweeteners and could already be at risk for potential problems. But the overall message from medical professionals is clear. A study from U.C. Irvine found people who consumed the most artificial sweeteners had a 9 percent higher risk for cardiovascular disease and an 18 percent greater risk for stroke or other disease. The American Heart Association found that adults who drink about two liters or more of artificially sweetened drinks per week had a higher risk of an irregular heartbeat. "Avoiding added artificial sugars makes sense, and this study helps to support that," UC Irvine health cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth H. Dineen said. Several sweeteners appear to be the most problematic, including those used in Diet Coke and Coke Zero, researchers found. A request for comment from Coca-Cola was not immediately returned. The sweetener aspartame — which is also widely known as the brand Equal — and sucralose, or Splenda, have been linked to a higher risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. Aspartame is also used in chewing gum, ice cream, cereal, cough drops, and yogurt. It's 200 times sweeter than regular sugar and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a general-purpose sweetener in 1996. It is widely recognized as one of the most researched ingredients in the world. The FDA says it disagrees with conclusions that studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans. 'Scientific evidence has continued to support the FDA's conclusion that aspartame is safe for the general population when made under good manufacturing practices and used under the approved conditions of use,' the agency says. 'The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies,' the World Health Organization's Dr. Francesco Branco said. That doesn't mean people cannot consume it. Moderate use should be fine. Coca-Cola notes that people with the rare hereditary disorder phenylketonuria should strictly limit their intake of phenylalanine: a common amino acid found in aspartame. 'A 2022 study found that people who consumed higher amounts of aspartame had a slightly higher risk overall of developing cancer, especially breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. However, it is unclear precisely what amount of aspartame a person would need to consume over time to increase their risk of developing cancer,' City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Misagh Karimi said. So, how much is too much? Just a couple of drinks may increase your risk for negative health outcomes, Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, told Fox News Digital.
Fox News
31-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Experts say quitting Diet Coke can improve heart health and gut balance
It may have zero calories and no added sugar, but experts say Diet Coke is not generally considered a healthy beverage. Previous studies have linked diet soda in general to increased metabolic and cardiovascular risks, among other health effects. "Research shows that drinking two or more artificially sweetened beverages per day may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke," Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, told Fox News Digital. "Another study showed that just one diet soda increases the risk of Afib, an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of vascular events, like stroke." Some studies show this may be due to how artificial sweeteners are processed in the body and the metabolites they produce, Routhenstein said, while other research suggests that diet sodas may negatively change the balance of gut bacteria, which plays a role in chronic disease. "Many of my clients who have ditched Diet Coke mention how they never realized how addictive it can be," she added. Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, noted that Diet Coke contains artificial sweeteners that have been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. "Aspartame, the artificial sweetener in Diet Coke, has been labeled as possibly carcinogenic by the World Health Organization and may negatively affect our gut microbiome," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. Many industry experts maintain that aspartame is still safe for consumption, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2023, the FDA issued the below statement on its position on aspartame. "Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply. FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions," the agency said. "The sweetener is approved in many countries. Regulatory and scientific authorities, such as Health Canada and the European Food Safety Authority have evaluated aspartame and also consider it safe at current permitted use levels." Fox News Digital reached out to Coca-Cola for comment. Routhenstein recommends swapping diet soda for a more health-conscious choice. "While it may be hard to find an exact alternative that meets the taste, carbonation and mouth feel, there are other healthier alternatives to consider," she told Fox News Digital. One of Routhenstein's suggestions is low-sugar kombucha, a fermented tea that offers gut-promoting benefits. Freirich echoed the benefits of kombucha as a source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. "You can also add a splash of lime or lemon to carbonated water, adding vitamin C for immune and heart health," Routhenstein suggested. Sparkling green tea is another option, as it offers carbonation while still providing anti-inflammatory benefits, according to the above source. For those who prefer "bubbly" drinks, Freirich also recommends choosing unflavored seltzer water or lightly sweetened carbonated beverages. "If you are interested in the caffeine of Diet Coke, I recommend replacing it with lightly sweetened tea or coffee," she suggested. "These are a great source of natural antioxidants and some caffeine. Green tea in particular is incredibly anti-inflammatory." For more Lifestyle articles, visit The best option of all, however, is plain water, experts agree. "Many of us could benefit from drinking a little more water in our day," Freirich said. "Hydration is important for energy, good digestion and the health of our hair, skin and nails."
Health Line
21-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Is Coke Zero Bad for You?
Coke Zero is calorie-free but has no nutritional value. While drinks with artificial sweeteners may have negative long-term effects, such as increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, more research is needed. Coke Zero, recently rebranded as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, is marketed as a healthier version of the original sugar-sweetened beverage, Coca-Cola Classic. It contains zero calories and sugar while providing the signature Coca-Cola flavor, appealing to those trying to reduce their sugar intake or control their weight. This article takes a detailed look at Coke Zero and explains whether it's a healthy choice. Zero nutritional value Coke Zero does not provide any calories and is not a significant source of nutrition. One 12-ounce (354-ml) can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (Coke Zero) offers: Calories: 0 Fat: 0 grams Protein: 0 grams Sugar: 0 grams Sodium: 2% of the Daily Value (DV) Potassium: 2% of the DV Artificial sweeteners are used to sweeten this beverage without adding calories. The health effects of artificial sweeteners are controversial, and concerns regarding their safety are growing. Though the research is inconsistent, some studies find that the use of artificial sweeteners may contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase disease risk. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (Coke Zero) uses several common artificial sweeteners, including aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). The remaining ingredients are carbonated water, caramel color, food additives, and natural flavors. The only differences between Coke Zero and the new rebrand Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are minor changes to the natural flavor composition. Artificial sweeteners and weight loss Research results on the effects of Coke Zero and other artificially sweetened beverages on weight loss are mixed. In a 2023 52-week study of 493 adults, researchers found that compared to people who drank water, those who consumed beverages with non-nutritive sweeteners lost more weight over the study period, an average of 16.5 pounds (7.5 kilograms), compared to those who drank water, who lost an average of 13.4 pounds (6.1 kg). However, a similar 2023 study that lasted 12 weeks found no difference in weight loss among participants who drank water versus beverages with non-nutritive sweeteners. The researchers also examined other metrics, like waist circumference, but found no significant differences. The non-nutritive sweetener group lost slightly more to their waist circumference, but the difference was about 1 centimeter (cm). A 2023 review of research that looked at multiple studies suggests that non-nutritive sweeteners have no immediate effects on the metabolic or endocrine systems. The evidence on the effects of artificially sweetened beverages on weight management is conflicting, and more research is needed. Long-term research is also needed to determine if artificial sweeteners may influence the body in ways other than calorie intake. Diet sodas and tooth erosion Similarly to regular soda, drinking diet sodas like Coke Zero is associated with an increased risk of tooth erosion. One of the main ingredients in Coke Zero is phosphoric acid. One 2002 study on human teeth noted phosphoric acid causes mild enamel and tooth erosion. An older study from 2015 observed that Coca-Cola Light (Diet Coke), which differs from Coke Zero only in that it contains both phosphoric and citric acid, caused enamel and tooth erosion in freshly extracted cow's teeth in just 3 minutes. Still, the same 2002 study suggests that citric acid erodes teeth more than phosphoric acid, which suggests that Coke Zero may affect tooth enamel slightly less than Diet Coke. Diet Coke had less erosive effects than other beverages, such as Sprite, orange juice, and apple juice. Coke Zero and diabetes risk Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a better option for people looking to reduce their risk of diabetes. A large 2023 study involving 105,588 participants with a follow-up of 9.1 years suggests that consuming non-nutritive sweeteners is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2024 review of research suggests non-nutritive sweeteners may negatively affect the gut microbiome, or the helpful bacteria that live in your gut and aid digestion, potentially affecting metabolic health and contributing to diabetes risk and worse outcomes for people with diabetes. The results from these studies don't provide an exact explanation of how artificially sweetened beverages increase your risk of diabetes. Therefore, more research is needed. Other potential downsides Artificially sweetened beverages like Coke Zero have been linked to other health issues, including: Increased risk of heart disease: An observational study found a link between artificially sweetened beverages and an increased risk of heart disease among women with no prior history of heart disease. Increased risk of kidney disease: Soda's high phosphorus content may damage kidneys. A 2017 study noted that those who drink more than 7 glasses of diet soda per week nearly double their risk of kidney disease. Could alter your gut microbiome: Artificially sweetened beverages may alter your gut microbiome, potentially negatively affecting blood sugar management. Further research is needed to determine the exact effects of Coke Zero and other diet beverages on your health.
