coke zero keto

Can You Drink Coke Zero Sugar on The Keto Diet?

Coca Cola is a staple in most of our everyday lives, but when being on the keto diet regular Coke was simply not an option. It is packed with sugar, and as we all know it, Coca Cola is far from healthy. That’s why when Coca Cola came out with the sugar-free option many were intrigued, especially the keto community.

To find out everything you need to know about Coke Zero Sugar, keep on reading! 

What is Coke Zero?

Nearly four years ago, Coke Zero changed its name to Coke Zero Sugar. The Coca-Cola website tells us what has changed in the recipe. 

Just like Coke Zero, Coke Zero Sugar is still sweetened by the artificial sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The blend of natural flavors, which are unique to Coca-Cola, is still the same so the ingredient list on the nutrition facts panel on cans and bottles has not changed.

Or simply, the Coca Cola manufacturers have made a great tasting Coke Zero which the consumers love and enjoy almost as much as regular Coke. 

Generally speaking, Coke Zero Sugar is still a soda. So there are still almost the same ingredients found in it, as in regular carbonated drinks. The main difference lies in what sweeteners are used in the different beverages. 

In Coca-Cola’s products facts website, it is stated that Coke Zero Sugar is a zero-sugar and zero-calorie cola. With the use of aspartame as one of the main sweeteners in this product, Coca-Cola claims that in comparison to regular sugar, it cannot cause hunger episodes and weight gain. 

Ingredients and Sweetener

The ingredients of Coke Zero Sugar include carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, aspartame, potassium benzoate, natural flavors, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. 

The artificial sweeteners that are used in Coke Zero Sugar are aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The use of sugar substitutes such as artificial sweeteners is confirmed as safe by the US FDA.

Low sugar and zero-sugar beverages are gaining more in popularity because as we all know sugar is not considered a healthy food. That’s why the Coke Zero sugar was made by Coca Cola. Its prime cause is to attract and satisfy more people who are on low-carb, sugar-free and keto diets. 

What are aspartame and acesulfame potassium?

Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener made from two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is one of the most researched ingredients today with more than 200 studies confirming its safety.

However, foods containing phenylalanine, as one of aspartame’s compounds, should be avoided by people born with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, because their bodies cannot break it down and that results in phenylalanine build-up in the body. (*)

Acesulfame potassium is a low-calorie sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. The US FDA and other regulatory authorities worldwide have concluded that acesulfame potassium is safe for use in foods and beverages.

Are aspartame and acesulfame potassium keto-approved?

Both aspartame and acesulfame potassium in a serving size of Coke Zero sugar are found to have 0 calories and 0 grams of carbs. 

The artificial sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame potassium are generally okay for people on a low-carb diet and non-strict keto diet. However, those on a strict keto diet may prefer a more natural way of adding sweetness to their food or drinks, so aspartame and acesulfame potassium are not recommended. 

Examples of keto-friendly sweeteners are erythritol, monk fruit or stevia, which are low GI natural sweeteners or sugar alcohol sweeteners. 

coke zero keto
Photo by DenisMArt/depositphotos

Coke Zero Flavors and Nutrition Facts

There are four Coke Zero Sugar Flavors out in the market: Original, Cherry, Vanilla and Orange Vanilla. 

One can is a serving size, which contains 12 fl oz.

Coke Zero FlavorCaloriesTotal FatSodiumTotal CarbsProteinPotassiumCaffeine
Original00g40mg0g0g2%34mg
Cherry00g40mg0g0g2%34mg
Vanilla00g40mg 0g0g2%34mg
Orange Vanilla00g35mg0g0g2%34mg

Based on the table, Coke Zero Sugar contains zero calories meaning 0 total fat, 0 carbs, and 0 protein.

However, this beverage contains 40mg of sodium in Original, Cherry and Vanilla flavors; 35mg of sodium in Orange Vanilla. It also has an insignificant potassium content. Lastly, Coke Zero carries caffeine in it.

Bottom line:

Coke Zero Sugar contains zero calories and zero carbs. It also contains sodium, potassium, and caffeine. 

There are also other packaging that consumers must be aware of in case the in-can Coke Zero Sugar is not available.

Coke Zero Flavor12 fl oz can7.5 fl oz can8 fl oz bottle8.5 fl oz bottle16 fl oz can20 fl ozbottle24 fl ozbottle1.25 Lbottle2L bottleFountainFreestyle
Original
Cherry
Vanilla
Orange Vanilla

There are eleven packaging sizes Coke Zero Sugar has. Take note that the serving size is 12 fl oz so that you can be guided in consumption.

Is Diet Coke The Same As Coke Zero?

Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar do share similar ingredients. The difference is that Coke Zero Sugar contains more phosphoric acid than Diet Coke. This is because, in their ingredients list, Coke Zero sugar lists phosphoric acid higher in the rank of order compared to Diet Coke.

To elaborate on that, the US Department of Health has a rule that requires the order of the ingredients listed on the label of the product to be arranged according to decreasing quantity. (*)

Will diet coke kick me out of ketosis?

Diet coke has zero carbs and zero calories so it is not likely to kick you out of ketosis.

What is phosphoric acid?

In carbonated beverages, phosphoric acid is used to add tartness. It contains phosphorus, which is an essential nutrient and major component of the bones. It is added in small amounts and it is regulated by the US FDA. 

Is Coke Zero Healthy?

If Coke Zero Sugar is consumed in moderation and under close control, then it shouldn’t be a problem to one’s health.

Is Coke Zero Keto-friendly?

Coke Zero Sugar is okay for a low-carb diet since it’s sugar content is 0 therefore it is technically keto-friendly. That being said, Coke Zero Sugar contains artificial sweeteners, so if you follow a strict keto diet, then you should avoid it and try to look for a more naturally sweetened drink. 

Where to Buy?

Coke Zero Sugar products can be bought at the Coca-Cola Store, most grocery stores, online on Amazon.com and Peapod.

Conclusion

Coke Zero Sugar can be considered keto-friendly since its carb content is 0, but it is not recommended for people who are on a strict keto diet or people who are allergic to artificial sweeteners.

More keto beverages:

Scroll to Top
0 Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet