Is there any sugar in diet coke

Coca-Cola has launched its new Coke variety, Coke No Sugar. Here’s what you need to know about the drink.

Table of Contents Show

Diet Coke Nutrition Facts
Diet Coke and Weight Loss
Does Aspartame Increase Blood Sugar?
How much sugar is in a can of Diet Coke?
Is Zero Coke OK for diabetics?
Does Diet Coke have more sugar than regular?

1. Coke No Sugar is a new version of Coke, in addition to their regular products. It’s not a re-launch of Coke Zero or Diet Coke.

2. Coke No Sugar, as the name suggests, does not contain any sugar.

3. Coke No Sugar is sweetened with aspartame and Acesulphame Potassium (sometimes called Acesulphame-K or Ace-K). These are non-sugar sweeteners, which are also in Coke Zero and Diet Coke. See our guide to sugar and sweeteners for more on this.

4. The sweeteners in Coke No Sugar have been widely studied, and there’s no evidence to say they are not safe to consume.

5. In recent years there has been research suggesting possible links between artificial sweeteners and changes to gut bacteria, which could lead to metabolic disorders such as obesity. As well as this, a study released this year found an association between artificially sweetened beverages and increased risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s. That’s not to say sweeteners cause those things, but it does point to potential issues for people who drink a lot of sugar-free drinks. We can expect to see more research on this in future.

6. Coke No Sugar contains caffeine, as do Coke Zero and Diet Coke. The amounts of caffeine in the drinks is very similar.

7. Nutritionists caution against drinking too much of any artificially sweetened drink because they still taste sweet, so they don’t help us re-train our palates to prefer a less sweet taste.

8. Dentists are also not fans of artificially sweetened drinks, because any carbonated drink is acidic, which is not good for our teeth. While they are slightly less bad for our teeth than a sugar-sweetened carbonated drink, they’re not neutral. See our guide to oral hygiene for more on this.

9. In general, experts agree that sugar-free options are a better choice than sugar-sweetened beverages, and can help us cut kilojoules and move to a lower-sugar diet.

10. All experts agree that water is the best drink.

Diet Coke Nutrition Facts

About one-fifth of Americans drink diet soda on any given day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diet coke, for instance, has been around for decades and enjoys popularity worldwide. It's the go-to choice for millions of gym-goers and healthy eaters.

Surprisingly, health organizations warn about the dangers of diet soda. For example, a May 2018 cohort study published in Current Development in Nutrition states that artificially-sweetened beverages cannot be ruled out as an independent risk factor for diabetes. Furthermore, it doesn't protect against type 2 diabetes, as it was once thought.

So, what's in Diet Coke that's bad for you? One can (12 fluid ounces) has zero calories, zero sugar, zero fats and negligible amounts of sodium. Diet Coke calories are not a reason for concern. Its ingredients, on the other hand, may pose health risks. These include:

Carbonated water
Caffeine
Aspartame
Caramel color
Potassium benzoate
Phosphoric acid
Citric acid
Natural flavors

Aspartame, the sugar substitute in Diet Coke, contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that may cause seizures and brain damage in people with phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder. The Mayo Clinic warns that aspartame should also be used with caution by individuals with anxiety disorders, sleep problems or tardive dyskinesia. When consumed in excess, this additive may worsen anxiety and cause jitters.

Diet Coke and Weight Loss

Diet coke might not be as diet-friendly as you think, according to a research paper featured in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism in September 2013. Artificially-sweetened beverages (ASB) have been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The relationship between ASB and weight is controversial, though. For every study showing that diet soda contributes to obesity, there's another that states the opposite.

Researchers agree that ASB consumers often end up eating more because of the initial "calorie saving" effect, as noted in a review published in the August 2012 edition of Diabetes Care. The journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism reports similar findings. Several studies suggest that diet soda may increase appetite and sugar cravings, but further investigation is needed to confirm these claims. These potential side effects are largely due to artificial sweeteners.

Furthermore, a recent cohort study conducted on children has found that those who consumed low‐calorie sweetened beverages ate an extra 196 calories per day. The results were published in the May 2019 issue of the journal Pediatric Obesity. According to the Diabetes Care review, diet soda may facilitate weight loss as long as there isn't a compensatory increase in calorie intake from other sources.

Does Aspartame Increase Blood Sugar?

Diet Coke is also a popular choice among people with diabetes. Since it's sugar-free, it shouldn't raise blood glucose levels. Again, most studies are conflicting.

A study cited in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism points out that diabetes risk may increase in those who consume one or more artificially-sweetened or sugar-sweetened beverages per day. Another study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in January 2013, had similar results. Researchers found that both types of beverages may contribute to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

One theory is that diet soda may stimulate appetite and increase the desire to eat sugary foods. Some studies also suggest that aspartame may cause a similar glycemic response as does sugar. Additionally, artificial sweeteners may alter the gut microbiota, affecting body weight and metabolism.

Another large-scale study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism in May 2016, linked aspartame consumption to glucose intolerance in people with obesity, but not in lean individuals. Medical professionals, including those at the Mayo Clinic and Joslin Diabetes Center, state that aspartame as no effect on blood sugar levels and can be safely consumed by those with diabetes.

As you see, the research is mixed. Diet Coke's sugar and calories are not an issue. Aspartame, on the other hand, may not be safe.

All in all, an occasional glass of diet cola is unlikely to affect your health. Enjoy this beverage in moderation and keep an eye on your total calorie intake. Consider replacing diet soda with fruit-infused water, lemon water or unsweetened iced tea. Carbonated water with lemon or lime juice and fresh mint leaves is a good choice, too.

How much sugar is in a can of Diet Coke?

None. Coca‑Cola European Partners use a blend of low-calorie sweeteners to give Diet Coke its great taste without sugar.

Is Zero Coke OK for diabetics?

A. No, zero sugar soda uses artificial sweeteners, which increases people's weight. Increased weight, in turn, is linked to the worsening of diabetes. Hence, zero soda is not suitable for diabetes.

Does Diet Coke have more sugar than regular?

What is Diet Coke? Diet Coke is a low-calorie and sugar-free cold beverage alternative to regular Coca-Cola (coke). Unlike regular coke which contains table sugar, diet coke contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame and cyclamates to sweeten them.