Aspartame is a sugar alternative, used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low or no sugar and calorie option. We use aspartame in some of our products because we know that many people want the choice of great tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories.
Is aspartame safe?
Yes. Aspartame is safe. It is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in the world.
Science and health professional organizations have affirmed sugar substitutes, like aspartame, are safe. So have food safety authorities, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, if you have the rare hereditary disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), you should strictly limit your intake of phenylalanine. This is a common amino acid found in aspartame. If we use aspartame, we say on our bottles and cans that there is phenylalanine so please check closely.
Have questions about PKU or your diet? Please talk to your doctor.
What Coca‑Cola products contain aspartame?
We sweeten several of our drinks with aspartame like some of these favorites:
- co*ke Zero Sugar
- DietBarq’s
- Diet co*ke
- Diet co*keFeistyCherry
- Fanta Zero
- Fresca
- Gold Peak Diet Tea
- MelloYelloZero
- Minute Maid Light
- PibbZero
- Seagrams Ginger Ale Zero Sugar
- Sprite Zero
Why do you use aspartame in your drinks?
Aspartame is a sugar alternative, used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low or no sugar and calorie option. We use aspartame in some of our products, including [Diet co*ke and co*ke Zero], because we know that many people want the choice of great tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories.
All our beverages can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Do your popular sodas contain aspartame?
a.Coca‑Cola
No. Our Coca‑Cola Classic taste is not sweetened with aspartame. Depending on where you are in the world, we use either high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar to give you that refreshing taste you love.
b.co*ke Zero
Yes. We sweeten co*ke Zero Sugar in our bottles and cans with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Together, they create a great taste with zero sugar and zero calories.
c.Diet co*ke
Yes. Diet co*ke in our bottles and cans is sweetened with aspartame. We also offer Diet co*ke sweetened with SPLENDA®.
d.Sprite
No, but Sprite Zero in the US is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and Ace-K for a crisp, clean taste with reduced or no calories.
How can I tell if my soda contains aspartame?
We know it’s important for you to have clear facts about your favorite beverages, including the ingredients we use. That’s why we make ingredient information simple and easy to find.
One of the first places you can look is the ingredients list next to the Nutrition Facts label. It’s on the back of every can or bottle.
OurSmartLabel™ QR codes on our packaging also include nutrition facts about our Coca‑Cola products.
Is there a link between diet sodas containing aspartame and cancer?
The safety of our ingredients and beverages is really important to us. As aspartame is a key ingredient used in a number of our products, we’re interested in all studies on it. According to experts, including experts from the American Cancer Society the research into this topic shows that aspartame is safe for people to consume.
Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in the world, with scientific studies consistently confirming its safety. It has been confirmed as safe by globally recognized authorities, including the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
All our beverages can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
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