Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
Deciding between Diet Coke and Coke Zero can be confusing without understanding the differences between the two beverages. Both drinks are low-calorie soft drinks from the Coca-Cola family. Diet Coke was introduced in 1982 and was once considered the most popular sugar-free soft drink. Coke Zero, introduced in 2005, is marketed as having low calories in the United States and elsewhere as zero sugar. Diet Coke is popular with women, while Coke Zero is more popular with men and young adults.
What is Diet Coke?
Diet Coke, also known as Diet Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light, or Coke Light in some countries, is listed as the 3rd most popular soft drink in the United States by the Caffeine Informer. Diet Coke appeals to people who aren’t concerned about calories but still enjoy tasty soft drinks.
Diet Coke does not use a modified Coca-Cola recipe but instead uses an entirely different formula. The ingredients in Diet Coke include carbonated water, caramel color, aspartame, phosphoric acid, potassium benzonate, natural flavors, citric acid, and caffeine. Diet Coke is available in various flavors, such as Diet Coke Caffeine-Free, Diet Coke with Lemon, Diet Coke with Lime, Diet Raspberry Coke, Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke Sweetened with Splenda, and Diet Coke Plus.
What is Coke Zero?
Coke Zero, also known as Coca-Cola Zero in some countries, is the 10th most popular soft drink in America by 2013, according to the Caffeine Informer. Coke Zero ingredients include carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, aspartame, potassium benzonate, natural flavors, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. There isn’t a significant difference in ingredients between Diet Coke and Coke Zero.
The main difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero is that Coke Zero is formulated to taste like Coca-Cola with no calories. Coke Zero has fewer flavor variants than Diet Coke, including Coca-Cola Cherry Zero, Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero, and Caffeine Free Coca-Cola Zero. Coke Zero is considered a tastier drink compared to Diet Coke, likely due to the addition of artificial sweeteners like Ace K and aspartame.
Key Takeaways
- Diet Coke is a low-calorie or sugar-free soft drink, while Coke Zero is marketed as low calories and zero sugar.
- Diet Coke comes in various flavors, while Coke Zero has only a few flavors.
- Diet Coke is popular with women, whereas Coke Zero is popular with men and young adults due to its taste.
