Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a no-calorie, sugar-free cola beverage produced by The Coca-Cola Company, formulated to deliver a taste profile closely resembling the original Coca-Cola while using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar.[1] Originally launched in the United States in June 2005 as Coca-Cola Zero, the product was developed as a low-calorie alternative to the flagship Coca-Cola, targeting consumers seeking a diet cola option without the traditional "diet" branding.[2] It quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the company's most successful introductions since Diet Coke.[3] In July 2017, the formula was reformulated to enhance its flavor, making it even closer to the classic Coca-Cola taste, and the name was updated to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to better highlight its zero-sugar attribute; this change rolled out first in the U.S. and later internationally.[1] The reformulation optimized the blend of existing ingredients, including aspartame and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners, without introducing new components.[4] In 2025, stevia leaf extract was added to the formula as an additional natural sweetener.[5] Key ingredients include carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, aspartame, potassium benzoate (to protect taste), natural flavors, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, stevia leaf extract, and caffeine, resulting in zero calories, zero sugar, and approximately 34 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce serving, comparable to regular Coca-Cola.[6] The product is available in various formats, including cans, bottles, and fountain dispensing, and has expanded to over 150 countries worldwide since its debut.[7] Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has seen sustained growth, with unit case volume increases reported at 14% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by demand for low-sugar options across global markets.[8] It is offered in multiple flavors, such as vanilla and cherry, and continues to play a key role in the company's portfolio of healthier beverage choices.History and Development
Origins and Launch
In the early 2000s, The Coca-Cola Company developed Coca-Cola Zero as a response to increasing consumer demand for zero-calorie cola beverages that avoided the "diet" label associated with Diet Coke, which was perceived as targeted primarily at women. The product was created to appeal to a broader audience, particularly young adult males seeking a low-calorie option without the stigma of traditional diet branding. Initially named Coca-Cola Zero, it was formulated to closely mimic the taste of the original Coca-Cola while containing no calories.[9][10] Coca-Cola Zero launched in the United States in June 2005, marking the company's most significant new product introduction since Diet Coke in 1982. Positioned specifically for young adult males who shunned "diet" connotations, the beverage featured distinctive black packaging to differentiate it from lighter-colored diet variants and emphasize its bold, full-flavored profile. Early marketing campaigns highlighted its equivalence to the classic Coca-Cola taste, achieved through a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners, which provided a balanced sweetness without the aftertaste common in some diet sodas.[2][11][2] The initial rollout began in North America in 2005, followed by expansion into Europe in 2006 and select Asian markets between 2006 and 2007. This global introduction was supported by tailored regional marketing to capitalize on growing health-conscious trends. Sales milestones were impressive from the outset, with double-digit unit case volume growth reported in the first full year and the product quickly establishing itself as a key driver of Coca-Cola's sparkling beverage portfolio.[12][13][14]Reformulations and Rebranding
In 2017, The Coca-Cola Company reformulated its zero-calorie cola—originally introduced in 2005 as Coca-Cola Zero—with an optimized flavor blend to provide a taste closer to the original Coca-Cola while preserving its zero-sugar and zero-calorie attributes.[15] This update was paired with a rebranding to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar across most markets, emphasizing the absence of sugar to better communicate its nutritional positioning and broaden consumer appeal.[15] The changes were driven by consumer feedback highlighting taste differences from the classic formula, alongside competitive dynamics in the zero-calorie segment from products like Pepsi Max.[16] Regional adaptations accompanied the global shift; for instance, in Australia, the product was rebranded as Coke No Sugar in June 2017 to align with local preferences for straightforward naming in the low-sugar category.[17] The U.S. launch followed in August 2017 with updated black packaging featuring the iconic red Coca-Cola disc, building on prior successes in over 25 markets such as Great Britain and Mexico, where the reformulated version had already spurred double-digit volume increases.[15] A subsequent reformulation in 2021 further refined the recipe by optimizing the existing flavor blend—without modifying the core ingredients like aspartame and acesulfame potassium—to enhance the overall taste profile and narrow the sensory gap with original Coca-Cola, particularly in mouthfeel and aftertaste.[18] These adjustments stemmed from continued consumer research emphasizing the desire for an even more authentic experience, supporting ongoing growth in the low- and no-sugar beverages sector.[18] The update debuted in Europe and Latin America early in 2021 before a full North American rollout in August, marking a global expansion that has been credited with driving category-leading performance for the brand.[18]Product Composition
Ingredients and Formulation
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is formulated with a blend of primary sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and stevia extract to achieve a zero-calorie profile while mimicking the taste of the original Coca-Cola sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.[5] Aspartame provides an initial burst of sweetness similar to sugar, while Ace-K contributes a lingering sweetness that helps replicate the mouthfeel and flavor profile without adding calories. This combination is specifically engineered to closely emulate the original product's taste experience, as confirmed by Coca-Cola's product development statements.[19] The core ingredients include carbonated water as the base, caramel color for visual appeal, phosphoric acid for tartness and preservation, aspartame, potassium benzoate to protect taste, natural flavors, potassium citrate as a buffering agent, acesulfame potassium, and caffeine (at approximately 34 mg per 12 fl oz serving).[20][21] The formulation maintains an acidic pH level of around 2.96, contributing to its characteristic tanginess and stability. Compared to Diet Coke, which relies solely on aspartame for sweetness and includes citric acid, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar employs a different ratio of aspartame to Ace-K along with potassium citrate and stevia extract to better mask aspartame's potential aftertaste and achieve a bolder, more cola-like flavor.[21][22] This distinction allows Zero Sugar to more closely align with the original Coca-Cola's profile rather than Diet Coke's lighter taste.[6] Due to the presence of aspartame, which breaks down into phenylalanine, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar carries a mandatory warning label for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), alerting them to the phenylalanine content.[21] This allergen disclosure is required on all aspartame-containing products in the United States.[23] In 2021, the formulation underwent tweaks to further optimize the sweetener blend and flavors for enhanced taste similarity to the original. In January 2025, stevia extract was added to the blend in the United States.[5][18]Nutritional Profile
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains zero calories per 12-ounce (355 ml) serving, achieved through the use of non-nutritive sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and stevia extract, which provide sweetness without contributing energy. This formulation results in no macronutrients, including 0 grams of total fat, 0 grams of total carbohydrates (with 0 grams of sugars), and 0 grams of protein, making it a suitable option for calorie-restricted diets.[24][21] The beverage includes 40 mg of sodium per 12-ounce serving, contributing about 2% of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet, along with 60 mg of potassium, which is 1% of the daily value. It provides 34 mg of caffeine, equivalent to roughly 9% of the recommended maximum daily intake of 400 mg for healthy adults, but contains no significant vitamins or minerals.| Nutrient | Amount per 12 oz (355 ml) Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | - |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Sodium | 40 mg | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Added Sugars | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g | - |
| Potassium | 60 mg | 1% |
| Caffeine | 34 mg | - |