Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke: Which Is Healthier?

Subtitle 1:

Dietitians weigh in on the sugar-free soda debate.

Subtitle 2:

Registered dietitians explain the differences between the two popular sodas.

In the ongoing battle for healthier beverage options, Diet Coke and Coke Zero frequently emerge as top contenders. Both sodas are sugar-free and calorie-free, but they differ in their ingredients and flavor profiles.

Diet Coke has been a popular choice since its introduction in 1982. It's sweetened with aspartame, which is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Coke Zero, on the other hand, was launched in 2005 and uses a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners. Acesulfame potassium is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose.

While both sodas are sugar-free, they do contain other ingredients that may affect your health. Diet Coke contains phosphoric acid, which can contribute to tooth decay and osteoporosis. Coke Zero, on the other hand, contains citric acid, which is less acidic than phosphoric acid.

Ultimately, the best soda for you depends on your individual preferences and health concerns. If you're looking for a sugar-free, low-calorie soda, Diet Coke and Coke Zero are both good options. However, if you're concerned about your dental health or osteoporosis risk, you may want to choose Coke Zero instead of Diet Coke.