A registered dietitian based in Toronto recently analyzed the nutritional profiles of the zero-calorie diet sodas Coke Zero and Diet Coke, providing insights that may disappoint fans of either beverage.
Abbey Sharp took to TikTok to share her assessment, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two popular drinks. “Both contain aspartame, caffeine, natural flavors, and caramel colors, etc.,” Sharp explained in her video.
However, she pointed out a key distinction: “Diet Coke is sweetened exclusively with aspartame, whereas Coke Zero also contains a sweetener called acesulfame potassium or Ace-K.” Sharp emphasized that while some may vilify these sweeteners, both are FDA-approved and considered safe when consumed in moderation.
Aspartame, known by brand names such as Nutrasweet, Equal, and Sugar Twin, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Concerns about its safety have arisen, with the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm classifying aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and calling for further investigation into potential health risks.