Difference between diet coke and zero coke

Coke Zero v. Diet Coke: What’s the difference? And which is better?

These carbonated, caffeinated drinks are both zero calories and manufactured by Coca-Cola. What’s the difference between them?

[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]

Difference between diet coke and zero coke

Because of this, Coke has come out with multiple healthier options, giving people a way to enjoy their favorite soft drink while reducing the negative health effects. In 1983, Coke created Diet Coke, Coca-Cola's first sugar-free cola. This diet soda was followed up with Coca-Cola Zero in 2006, which was then rebranded as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in 2017. This rebrand is almost identical to Coke Zero, the only difference being minor changes to the natural flavor composition.

Both Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are calorie-free and sugar-free, a significant difference from the 140 calories in a 12 oz regular Coke. If you're wondering how it's possible to create drinks that taste like the real thing without any of the sugar, sugar substitutes are the answer. Both of these low-calorie drinks are sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame K, also called Ace-K.  There are many similarities between these health-conscious coke products, but what really is the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar?

Difference between diet coke and zero coke

The most important difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar is the taste. Coke Zero is meant to taste like regular Coke, while Diet Coke has its own distinctive flavor. Coke Zero looks and tastes like Coca-Cola classic, but Diet Coke has a lighter taste than the original. For those looking to recreate the experience of drinking a classic Coke, Coke Zero is the way to go. If you want a slightly different blend of flavors, Diet Coke's lighter taste is refreshing and tasty.

Difference between diet coke and zero coke

Another essential difference between the two is a chemical. While their ingredient lists are basically identical, Diet Coke contains citric acid, while Coke Zero is made with sodium citrate. This difference is probably what accounts for the variance in taste between these two low-calorie soft drinks.

Ingredients of Coke Zero vs Diet Coke

Difference between diet coke and zero coke

For a closer look, here are the ingredients of each. Coke Zero contains water, caramel color E150d, phosphoric acid, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K or acesulfame potassium), natural flavorings including caffeine and acidity regulator (sodium citrate). Diet Coke has carbonated water, caramel color E150d, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K or acesulfame potassium), natural flavorings including caffeine, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. It also contains the amino acid phenylalanine, so people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, should avoid it.

Diet Coke and Coke Zero are similar in composition, so you should choose based on which flavor you prefer! Although these low-calorie sodas are preferable to classic Coca-Cola when it comes to health, they are still not considered "healthy" by nutritionists. With lots of artificial sweeteners and no nutritional value, Diet Coke and Coke Zero shouldn't be considered weight loss tools. However, these calorie-free soft drinks are the perfect refreshing choice for a pick-me-up, especially since they both contain caffeine.

Trump and Diet Coke

If he had to choose, President Donald Trump would pick Diet Coke, hands down. According to a report, the previous president drank up to 12 cans of Diet Coke a day. In fact, he had a button on his desk he used to press to receive a fresh can of Diet Coke.

President Biden has removed the Diet Coke button. When @ShippersUnbound and I interviewed Donald Trump in 2019, we became fascinated by what the little red button did. Eventually Trump pressed it, and a butler swiftly brought in a Diet Coke on a silver platter. It's gone now. pic.twitter.com/rFzhPaHYjk

— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) January 21, 2021

From photos, it looks like President Biden removed the button when he took over office.

READ MORE: Do You Know the Difference Between Coke and Pepsi?

Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Is Diet Coke or Coke Zero better for you?

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.

What is the healthiest Coke?

Coca-Cola Plus is being touted as the “healthiest soda” you can buy, thanks to what's not in it, as well as what is. The soda is calorie- and sugar-free, just like its Coke Zero and Diet Coke siblings, but it also has a dose of fiber added to it.

What is the sweetener in Coke Zero?

We sweeten Coke Zero Sugar in our bottles and cans with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Together, they create a great taste with zero sugar and zero calories. Yes. Diet Coke in our bottles and cans is sweetened with aspartame.

Is Coke Zero OK for weight loss?

If you're drinking two 12-ounce cans of regular Coke each day, you could eliminate 280 “empty” (non-nutritive) calories by switching to a zero-calorie alternative. Over a month, that's 8,400 fewer calories, enough to lose almost two and a half pounds.