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Coca-Cola is quite literally themost popular sodain the world, according to the latestStatista report.
Photos: The Coca-Cola Company, Canva. Design: Eat This, Not That!
That’s where Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar come in.
These two choices deliver the classic Coke flavor without the sugar or calories.
Despite Diet Coke’s massive success, the brand aimed to continue innovating.
Sean Locke Photography / Shutterstock
“It’s delicious, refreshing and our best-tasting zero-sugar CocaCola yet.”
However, a closer examination reveals differences in phosphorus and caffeine content.
Phosphorus Content
Colas generally contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid.
The Coca-Cola Company
Why is this important?
“Phosphorus and calcium have an inverse relationship,” Rauch says.
Plus, it can impair absorption of other important minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium."
The Coca-Cola Company
Caffeine Content
Both Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar contain caffeine unless you opt for their caffeine-free versions.
Diet Coke has 46 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can, compared to Coke Zero Sugar’s 34 milligrams.
This means Diet Coke contains over 30% more caffeine than Coke Zero Sugar.
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Both sodas use aspartame, but Coke Zero Sugar also contains acesulfame potassium (also known as Ace-K).
Andrews notes that the phenylalanine in aspartame is changed slightly to create a sweeter taste.
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Taste Test: Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero vs.
April Benshosan for Eat This Not That
Original Coke
No Coke comparison would be complete without a taste test.
It boasts a bright sweetness with caramel notes that linger long after the first sip.
One gulp in, and we had no desire to go for seconds.
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Diet Coke’s flavor ends abruptly, so you’ll have to keep chugging to continue experiencing its flavor.
Yet, its mineral finish and heavy artificial aftertaste that stubbornly stays on the tongue might convince you otherwise.
At first sip, it was honestly difficult to differentiate this sugar-free version from the OG.
Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero Sugar: Which Tastes Better?
After tasting all three, it’s clear that each has its own distinct flavor profile.
Original Coca-Cola stands out with its bright sweetness and signature caramel notes that are hard to replicate.
Ultimately, Coke Zero Sugar edges out Diet Coke as our preferred choice among the sugar-free options.
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Is One Healthier Than the Other?
“A few diet sodas per day won’t make or break your health,” Andrews says.
However, drinking regular Coke daily might.
Both contain artificial sweeteners, which could pose potential health risks for some individuals.
As Andrews puts it, it’s about “picking your poison” based on taste preference.
According to our taste test’s verdict: Coke Zero Sugar is the clear winner.
