Whats the difference between coke and coke zero

In an effort to eat healthier, one of the first things to go is often the sugar. Swapping Coca-Cola for a can of sugar-free Coke Zero or Diet Coke is easy enough, but is one a better swap to make than the other? Of the two, Diet Coke has been sold for a longer period of time, having first hit store shelves in 1982, per CBS News.  It took less than a year for the beverage to become the top diet soft drink, and in 1984, it became the overall third top-selling soft drink in the United States, according to Coke Solutions. A little more than 25 years later, Diet Coke became the no. 2 soft drink in the country (via Newsweek). Coke Zero, however, didn't make the top 10 biggest-selling sodas on Newsweek's list. 

Coke Zero was launched in 2005, per The Coca-Cola Company. In 2017, the beverage became known as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in order to promote how the beverage tastes like Coca-Cola Classic but without the sugar.  Coca-Cola says it will continue to produce low-sugar products. In 2021, 28% of the company's sales were even in the low or no calorie division.

The main differences

Key differences in the ingredients, primarily additives used, are discussed here. 

• INS 338- Phosphoric acid (adds tangy flavor)
• 150 D – Color

• INS 338- Phosphoric acid
• INS 331 (iii)- Preservative
• INS 950- Acesulphame (sweetener)
• INS 951- Aspartame (sweetener)
• INS 211- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
• 150 D- color

• INS 338- Phosphoric acid
• INS 331 (iii)- Preservative
• INS 950- Acesulphame (sweetener)
• INS 955- Sucralose (sweetener)
• INS 211- preservative
• 150 D- color

Key Differences Between Coke, Coke Zero and Diet Coke

For our Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero review, our focus parameters were the ingredients used, primarily the sweeteners, additives (if any), the fizz, and differences in pricing and packaging.

1. Ingredients

What is the primary source of sugar? How many types of sweeteners are added? What about additives like flavors and colors?

Coke

Carbonated water, sugar, acidity regulator (INS 338), color (150D), and natural flavoring substances.

Diet Coke

Carbonated water, acidity regulators (INS 338, 331 (iii)), sweeteners (INS 951, 950), preservative (INS 211), color (150 D), flavors (natural flavoring substances).

This contains an admixture of aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Coke Zero

Carbonated water, acidity regulator (INS 338, 331 (iii)), sweeteners (INS 950, 955), preservative (INS 211), color (150 D), and natural flavoring substances. This contains an admixture of aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

INS 338

Phosphoric acid is used in food and beverages, detergents, metal treatments, pharmaceuticals, etc. It is used to activate carbon and lends a sour taste to beverages.

150 D

Made of high dextrose corn syrup (HDCS), invert, and cane sugar, INS 150 D includes a variety of caramel colors. The carbohydrates (sugars) are heated with ammonium and sulfite compounds. This is used in colas, soy sauce, seasonings, cereals, etc.

INS 331 (iii)

This compound is known as Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate. It adds a sour-salty flavor.

INS 950

Acesulphame Potassium (Ace K) is a USFDA approved sweetener. This has been extensively researched and deemed safe for consumption.

INS 951

Aspartame is another low-calorie artificial sweetener that is almost 200 times sweeter than sucrose. 

INS 955

Sucralose is an artificial sugar substitute. Because it is not broken down/digested by the body, it is noncaloric.

INS 211

Sodium benzoate is an internationally-approved food additive that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. It enhances the shelf life of food and beverages.

Our take 

In terms of chemical composition, there is only one difference between the diet and zero sugar variant -the artificial sweeteners used in Diet Coke (INS 951) and Coke Zero (INS 955) vary. Neither of these have a bitter aftertaste. 

2. Flavor

Ardent Cola fans in our Team were called for a blind tasting session where they were asked to record their observations in terms of flavor. The results were as follows-

Coke

This was hands-down the sweetest of all three cans that were reviewed. The fizz was standard. Recognized within a second by all, for obvious reasons. 

Diet Coke

Lighter and with relatively more fizz, this variant was not as sweet.

Coke Zero

Coke Zero tasted more like the original version. It had subtle citrusy notes but was not as sweet. The fiziness is a bit lower than diet coke. 

Our take

Diet Coke had a lighter flavor, and the highest fizz. Coke Zero and the regular variant had similar intensities of the cola flavor. Diet coke is the least sweet amongst the three variants. Regular Coke and Coke Zero have a marginal difference in the overall sweetness and fizz.

3. Nutrition Facts

Calories per serve, and distribution of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, (if any) are discussed under the following parameters.

Coke

This offers 44 Kcal per 100 ml which is divided as 10.9 grams of carbohydrates (10.6 grams of which is sugar), 0 grams of fats, and proteins, and 8.5 mg of sodium.

Caffeine content – This has 8.7 mg of caffeine per 100 ml.

Diet Coke

Diet Coke has 0 Kcal with 7.5 mg of sodium per 100 ml.

Caffeine content – 10 mg of caffeine per 100 ml

Coke Zero

Coke Zero has 0 Kcal. It offers 7.5 mg of sodium.

Caffeine content – 9.2 mg of caffeine per 100 ml. 

Our take

Regular Coke offers the maximum calories, primarily in the form of carbohydrates from sugar.

On the other hand, the other two contenders are 0-calorie beverages. There is only a marginal difference in the caffeine and sodium content.

4. Price 

We ordered 300 ml cans of the three variants. Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero are priced at Rs 40/-. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some interesting FAQs on Coke vs Coke Zero vs Diet Coke.

1.Which Coke is the healthiest?

Aerated beverages aren’t classified as healthy. These aren’t nutritious and are sources of carbohydrates and caffeine. Diet Coke has the highest caffeine content but regular Coke has the most calories.

2. Does Coke have artificial sweeteners?

Yes, Coke Zero and Diet Coke are sweetened with artificial sweeteners INS 950, 951, and 955.

3. Is Coke Zero good for weight loss?

Coke Zero has no calories and helps reduce your overall caloric intake. Consistently consuming lower calories than you burn will lead to weight loss.

4. Is Diet Coke worse than regular Coke?

The key difference between the two is the combination of sweeteners used. While Diet Coke contains INS 950 and INS 951, the regular variant is sweetened with table sugar. 

Research and studies on artificial sugar show that though both (artificial and refined sugar) are addictive, the former may cause more cravings, a larger-than-normal appetite.

5. Are these Coca Cola cans environment friendly?

Yes, the cans are 100% recyclable.

Final Words

After placing Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero under the Mishry microscope, we arrived at the conclusion that there are some marginal differences in the sweeteners used. Moreover, the flavor and fizz also vary, as picked by ardent fans of the beverage.
If you’re calorie conscious, we recommend going for Diet Coke or Coke Zero as it will save you approximately 120 Kcal.

If light, crisp and fizzy is what you’re looking for, we suggest you pick Diet Coke, Coke Zero for the close-to-classic taste minus the calories, and Regular Coke for the undeniably great taste and OG appeal.

Does one taste better than the other? What’s your pick?

Team That Worked On This Review

Aanchal Gera

Nishtha Sethi

Sarika Rana

Manjusha Sinha

Sanjana Sharma

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Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.

Is Coke Zero better than regular Coke?

The main difference between coke and coke zero is the sugar content. When drinking coke zero as opposed to regular coke, you are consuming significantly less sugar which is a positive for weight loss and reduces the risk of weight-related diseases.

What is the point of Coke Zero?

The new and improved recipe tastes like a Coke, but with zero sugar and zero calories.

Which Coke is the healthiest?

Diet Coke is a low-calorie and sugar-free cold beverage alternative to regular Coca-Cola (coke). Unlike regular coke which contains table sugar, diet coke contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame and cyclamates to sweeten them.

What is the difference of Coke Zero and Coke?

The taste. Both drinks are sugar free and calorie free. Coca‑Cola zero sugar looks and tastes more like Coca‑Cola original taste, while Diet Coke has a different blend of flavours which gives it a lighter taste.