Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Shari Mason
If you pay careful attention to the drinks you ingest, there’s a good chance that you’ve consumed a significant amount of diet sodas.
Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite are two of Sprite’s most popular zero-calorie sodas that don’t compromise on their refreshing lemon flavor.
But like us, you may have wondered what sets these zero-calorie sodas apart from regular sodas. Here’s our take on Diet Sprite vs Sprite Zero so you can decide which soft drink is better for you.
Sprite Zero & Diet Sprite In-Depth Comparison
The main difference between Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite is their name and what they entail.
As the name suggests, Diet Sprite, or Sprite Light, has low sugar and low calories (thus, “diet”) compared to regular Sprite soda. This soft drink is an excellent choice for those craving regular sodas but looking to cut back on calories. [1]
On the other hand, Sprite Zero, also known as the “revised” Diet Sprite, boasts containing zero calories, sugar, and carbohydrates. It is also decaffeinated but retains the citrus flavor and sweet taste of regular soda. If you want a sugar-free variant without the calories, you can safely drink Sprite Zero.
How They Differ
Ingredients
Sprite Zero’s ingredient list includes carbonated water, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors, potassium benzoate, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium.
Diet Sprite’s ingredient list includes carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium citrate, potassium benzoate, and aspartame.
Read: Root Beer vs Dr Pepper
Nutritional Values
Sugar
Both Sprite Zero and Sprite Light have no added sugar.
In Diet Sprite, the sugars and fructose from the regular version of Sprite are replaced with aspartame, an artificial sweetener. This diet soda has the same taste as Sprite, minus the calories. [2]
On the other hand, Sprite Zero uses artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame-potassium, which have no sugar, calories, or carbohydrates.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these artificial sweeteners are safe to consume in moderation. The acceptable level for aspartame is 50 mg per kg of body weight, equivalent to about 3,500 mg for adults.
That said, you will need to consume around 19 cans of Diet Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar per day to exceed the acceptable limit.
However, experts say that regular consumption of soda (even though it’s less sugar) could put you at an increased risk of tooth decay and heart disease.
“Unlock the battle of the bubbles with Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite—two tantalizing choices that vie for the throne of refreshment, where flavor meets fizz in a clash of sugar-free titans.”
– Eat Pallet Food & Advice
Calories
Sprite Zero Sugar is called “zero” because it has zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates compared to regular soda. According to the nutritional facts, Sprite Zero has zero sugar, Sodium 35mg, carbohydrates 0g, and aspartame 75mg/355ml.
On the other hand, Sprite Diet Soda is a low-calorie option with less sugar. It contains total sat (0g), saturated fat 0g, trans fat 0g, and monounsaturated fat 0g.
Carbohydrates
Both Sprite Zero Sugar and Diet Sprite have zero carbohydrates.
Taste & Flavor
Sprite Zero Sugar and Diet Sprite have sweet tastes and tangy lemon-lime flavors. They are among the best soft drinks to quench your thirst on a scorching day! This soft drink is also one of the most popular cocktail mixers.
However, unlike Diet Sprite, Sprite Zero Sugar does not contain caffeine.
How It’s Marketed
The marketing strategy sets Sprite Zero apart from Diet Sprite.
When Diet Sprite was first released, they highlighted the health benefits of its low sugar and low calories.
Furthermore, the company discussed how this diet soda is the best option for those wanting to lower their calorie intake.
“Non-nutritive sweeteners used alone or in foods and beverages remain an option and when used appropriately can aid in glucose control for people with diabetes.”
American Diabetes Association
On the other hand, Coca Cola’s Sprite Zero Sugar took this further by eliminating its calories and sugar, which earned it its nickname, “revised Diet Sprite.” Many actually consider it one of the “healthiest” diet drinks.
Furthermore, it would be okay for people with sugar problems to drink Sprite Zero.
Carbonation Level
Sprite Zero Sugar and Diet Sprite are made from carbonated water.
Carbonated water (carbon dioxide plus water) is why sodas are fizzy and refreshing.
Price
Both Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite are under a similar price range, which is about $3 for six 7.05 oz can.
Are Sprite Zero & Diet Sprite The Same Thing?
Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite are sugar-free versions of the Sprite soft drink, but they are not exactly the same.
As the name suggests, Sprite Zero contains zero sugar and zero calories. Coca-Cola’s Sprite Zero uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium as its sweetening agent to achieve the same taste as Sprite.
On the other hand, Diet Sprite is sweetened only with aspartame. This may give it a slightly different taste compared to Sprite Zero Sugar. This soft drink also has caffeine, unlike Sprite Zero.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eIs Sprite Zero discontinued?u003c/strongu003e
In 2022, the Coca-Cola Company officially announced they would not discontinue Sprite Zero, so there is no need to hoard! They want a low-sugar and calorie option for customers who want a healthier alternative to regular sodas.
u003cstrongu003eWhich is healthier, Sprite Zero or Diet Sprite?u003c/strongu003e
It depends. Sprite Zero contains zero sugar, zero carbohydrates, and zero calories, which may be a better option for people closely monitoring their sugar levels.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOn the other hand, Diet Sprite is best for people who want to lower their calorie intake but do not necessarily watch their sugar level.
u003cstrongu003eWhich is better for the keto diet, Sprite Zero or Diet Sprite?u003c/strongu003e
Both Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite are safe for the keto diet. However, excessive consumption of their artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium, may lead to gut problems.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThose on a keto diet would benefit more if they chose drinks that use keto-friendly sweeteners instead, like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
Final Verdict
Sprite Zero and Diet Sprite are sugar-free options for those not fond of the calories and carbs from regular Sprite soda. However, they are not entirely similar.
Diet Sprite is the “diet” version of regular Sprite, meaning it has less sugar, carbohydrates, and calories. This diet soda is the best option for those wanting to lower their calorie intake.
Sprite Zero Sugar, or “revised” Diet Sprite, boasts having zero sugar, zero carbohydrates, and zero calories. It also doesn’t contain caffeine. People who want a caffeine and sugar-free variant for overall health reasons should drink Sprite Zero.
However, it’s important to know that Sprite Zero Sugar and Diet Sprite use fake sugars, like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, to achieve the same taste as regular soda. Those who want to drink Sprite but are wary about consuming artificial sweeteners should review the ingredient list carefully.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-calorie-counting-work#
- https://www.healthline.com/health/aspartame-side-effects
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