Most people know Coke Zero and Diet Coke to be low-calorie and low-fat alternatives to regular Coca-Cola and other soft drinks. But if both beverages have zero calories and no fat, what could be the difference between them?
Below, we’ll explore this question and help you decide between these two soft drinks the next time you need to quench your thirst.
Both Drinks
First, let’s look at what both of these drinks have in common. Both contain 0 Calories, 40mg Sodium, 0g Fat, 0g Protein, and 0g Carbs. Both drinks are also derived from regular Coke — somebody makes them to taste like the real thing.
Diet Coke
Diet Coke in its signature silver packaging was the first to arrive on the soft drink scene in the early 80s. The sweetener in Diet Coke is Aspartame. Most people who taste this drink say that it tastes much different than regular Coke while Coke Zero tends to have a closer taste resemblance to traditional Coke. Most people who initially try Diet Coke in a blind test can tell almost immediately that it’s not “real Coke.”
Coke Zero
Coke Zero was introduced to the public in 2005. Unlike the silver of the Diet Coke cans and bottles, it has a black theme. It is marketed to have the “real Coke flavor” of regular Coke, and this seems to be the verdict with most taste-testers. One difference between the two is that Coke Zero uses both Aspartame and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners while the other one uses just Aspartame. Generally speaking, Coke Zero is also marketed at men while the other one is marketed at women.
Calories in Diet Coke and Coke Zero
As mentioned above, both have zero calories. The difference between the two is the source of the sweeteners. Coke Zero is made with NutraSweet and Ace-K, artificial sweeteners that have zero calories. Diet Coke is made with cane sugar, which is naturally occurring and has calories. If you are concerned about calories, you should choose Coke Zero. A can of Coke Zero has 0 calories, while a can of Diet Coke has 39 calories.
Which One is Right for You?
If you are trying to avoid sugar and calories, you should choose Coke Zero over Diet Coke. Coke Zero has no sugar or calories, whereas Diet Coke has 39 calories per can. Because Diet Coke contains less carbohydrates than NutraSweet and Ace-K, two artificial sweeteners, if you are on a low-carb diet, it is a better option.
Both are two popular diet beverages that are both made by The Coca-Cola Company. Both drinks have zero calories, but they have different sweeteners and distinct flavours. Coke Zero is made with artificial sweeteners, like NutraSweet and Ace-K, while Diet Coke uses natural cane sugar. Both products have negligible nutritional value, but Coke Zero has slightly less sugar and sodium than Diet Coke. Coke Zero is marketed towards men, while Diet Coke is marketed towards women. They are both great choices if you are watching your calories.
What’s important to remember is that neither are exactly healthy for you. If you can, instead of indulging in one of these soft drinks, consider a glass of water with fruit for flavor or a sparkling water. But if you like to have a glass of zero calorie Coke every once in a while, it’s really a toss up as to nutrition and overall taste.
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
