What’s the Difference Between Diet and Zero-Sugar Soda? And Which is Healthier?

Diet sodas have graced the grocery store shelves for years, providing a healthier alternative to regular sodas, which are pumped full of sugar. But in recent years, more and more zero-sugar options have popped up in the aisles. From Coca-Cola and Pepsi to Dr. Pepper and Root Beer, many of the classic soda brands have started producing zero-sugar options in addition to their diet sodas. So, what are the real differences between these sugar-free soft drinks?

Sugar-Free Sodas are Born

Soda companies started producing diet sodas as early as the ‘50s, capitalizing on the public’s interest in a healthier version of the carbonated beverage that had taken the world by storm. Some early diet sodas were also produced for those with diabetes or cardiovascular issues, so that everyone could enjoy the drink.

Replacing Sugar in Diet Sodas

Originally, the sugar in sodas was replaced with an artificial sweetener called cyclamate. However, cyclamate has since been classified as a carcinogen and is no longer used in diet beverages. Over time, as the industry has grown, various companies have experimented with different kinds of artificial sweeteners to achieve the classic sugary taste without the calories.

Diet Coke Hits the Market

Coca-Cola released a diet soda called TaB that was popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and Pepsi released Diet Pepsi in 1963. Dr. Pepper even sold a soda called “Diabetes Dr. Pepper” for a brief time. Finally, in 1982, the Coca-Cola company released Diet Coke, which went on to be a worldwide phenomenon.

Artificial Sweetener in Diet Soda

Most diet sodas on the market today use aspartame, which is calorie-free but not necessarily healthy. Studies conducted on diet sodas have found that aspartame is actually quite harmful in excess, and the World Health Organization even classifies it as potentially carcinogenic.

The Need for Zero-Sugar Alternatives

As consumers gained more knowledge about the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas, soda companies realized they needed to provide additional alternatives. Many of the classic soda companies have experimented with various sweeteners, but consumers reject many of them, claiming that they make the soda taste different than the original.

Zero-Sugar Sodas Become Popular

Starting in the 2000s, zero-sugar sodas started to rise in popularity. Coca-Cola released Coke Zero in 2005 and rebranded it in 2017. These sodas were advertised to health-conscious soda-lovers looking for the same flavor they love without the calories and sugar. For example, consumers online claim that Coke Zero resembles the flavor profile of full-sugar Coca-Cola, whereas consumers claim Diet Coke has its own flavor profile, separate from the original Coca-Cola.

The Trouble With the Word “Diet”

The zero-sugar alternatives use aspartame, which is the same artificial sweetener in diet beverages. But soda companies found that the new generation simply had a problem with the word “diet”. So, the marketing teams put their thinking caps on and simply replaced the word “diet” with “zero”.

So, What Makes Diet Different From Zero-Sugar?

The real difference between diet and zero-sugar sodas is the ingredients and the marketing strategy. Both versions use aspartame, but zero-sugar sodas often include other artificial sweeteners to try to more closely replicate the flavor of the original, full-sugar soda. In some cases, companies create the zero-sugar sodas to market to Gen Z, who appear to have some negative associations with the word “diet”.

It’s All About Preference

The debate about which soda is best and why continues to surge on the internet, but it really all comes down to preference. Most health officials agree, there is no real health difference between diet and zero-sugar sodas. Reality is, neither are good for you in excess. It all comes down to preference and moderation!