Do Drinks That Say Zero Sugar Actually Have Zero Sugar? Decoding the Label

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, a product can be labeled 'zero sugar' or 'sugar-free' if it contains less than 0.5 grams of total sugars per serving. This critical distinction means that for drinks that say zero sugar, the actual sugar content is not necessarily zero, but rather an amount deemed trivial by regulators.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nuances of 'zero sugar' claims, clarifying the legal definition and exposing the difference from 'no added sugar.' It details common artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols used, and provides guidance on decoding nutrition labels for a complete understanding of what you consume.

Key Points

FDA Definition: 'Zero sugar' means a drink has less than 0.5 grams of total sugars per serving, not literally zero.
Hidden Sweetness: These drinks use intense, non-caloric artificial sweeteners like sucralose or natural ones like stevia to provide sweetness without sugar.
Label Nuances: 'No added sugar' products can still contain significant amounts of natural sugars from fruit or milk, unlike 'zero sugar' drinks.
Read the Label: The nutrition facts panel reveals the full sugar and sweetener details, allowing for a truly informed decision.
Potential Side Effects: Some artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause side effects like digestive issues in sensitive individuals, though research on long-term health effects is ongoing.
Informed Choices: Knowing the difference between labeling claims and checking ingredients empowers you to choose the best beverage for your specific health goals, whether it's zero-sugar, no added sugar, or just plain water.

The FDA's Definition of “Zero Sugar”

When you see the prominent 'zero sugar' claim on a drink's packaging, it's easy to assume the product is completely devoid of any sugar. However, this is a common misconception rooted in the legal guidelines surrounding food labeling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a 'sugar-free' or 'zero sugar' product as one containing less than 0.5 grams of sugars, both naturally occurring and added, per serving. While this amount is very small, it's not truly zero. For many, this tiny, legally-permissible amount of sugar is negligible, but for those with strict dietary restrictions or health conditions, understanding this detail is important. In practice, the minimal caloric contribution from this trace amount is considered insignificant and allows companies to market the product under the 'zero' label.

The Key to Sweetness: Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols

So, if zero-sugar drinks have virtually no sugar, how do they retain their sweet flavor? The answer lies in sugar substitutes. These additives are designed to mimic the sweet taste of sugar without the calories or blood sugar impact. They are much sweeter than table sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed. The two main types are artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.

Common Sugar Substitutes

Artificial Sweeteners: These are high-intensity sweeteners that are chemically synthesized. Examples include Aspartame (Equal), Sucralose (Splenda), Saccharin (Sweet'N Low), and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K). They provide intense sweetness with no or negligible calories.
Sugar Alcohols: These are carbohydrates found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, though often manufactured for food products. They have fewer calories than sugar and are slowly and incompletely absorbed by the body. Common examples are Erythritol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol. Excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort.

Zero Sugar vs. No Added Sugar: A Crucial Distinction

It is important to differentiate between 'zero sugar' and another popular label: 'no added sugar.' These two claims are not interchangeable and signify different things about a product's composition.

No Added Sugar: This means that no sugars or sugar-containing ingredients were added during the processing or packaging of the food. However, the product may still contain a significant amount of naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like fruit or milk. A fruit juice, for instance, can be labeled 'no added sugar' but still contain a high amount of natural fructose.
Zero Sugar: As defined above, this product contains less than 0.5 grams of total sugars per serving and can be sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners.

Decoding the Nutrition Facts Label

To make the most informed choice, always go beyond the front-of-package marketing and read the nutrition facts panel and the ingredients list. Look for the 'Total Sugars' line on the label, which includes both naturally occurring and added sugars. Below this, the 'Includes Added Sugars' line will tell you how much of the sugar is not naturally present in the ingredients. By examining the ingredients list, you can identify which sweeteners, if any, have been used to achieve the desired flavor.

Comparison of Sugar Claims


Feature	Zero Sugar	No Added Sugar	Unsweetened
Sugar Content	Less than 0.5g total sugar per serving.	Can contain naturally occurring sugars from ingredients.	Contains only naturally occurring sugars.
Sweeteners	Primarily relies on artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.	Does not contain added sugars but can contain other sweeteners.	No added sugars, sweeteners, or sugar alcohols.
Flavor	Sweetness is provided by non-sugar alternatives.	Sweetness depends on naturally occurring sugars.	Flavor is from the natural ingredients; less sweet.
Best For	Those strictly limiting both added and natural sugar intake.	Reducing intake of added sugars while consuming natural ones.	Avoiding all added sugars and sweeteners for a more natural taste.

Potential Health Considerations Beyond Sugar

While switching to zero-sugar beverages can reduce calorie intake and may help manage blood sugar, some research suggests potential long-term risks associated with artificial sweeteners. Concerns have been raised regarding their impact on gut microbiome and potential associations with metabolic syndrome, though more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Some individuals may also experience digestive issues like bloating or gas from sugar alcohols, especially when consumed in large amounts. The Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of artificial sweeteners and their safety profiles in their guide on sweeteners and other sugar substitutes.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Zero Sugar

Ultimately, understanding what zero sugar actually means empowers you to make informed decisions for your health. The key takeaway is that 'zero sugar' is a regulatory term, not a literal one, and the product likely contains alternative sweeteners. Your choice depends on your personal health goals. For those looking to eliminate all added sugars and artificial ingredients, focusing on products labeled 'unsweetened' or simply opting for water is the best path. For others, zero-sugar options can be a useful tool for reducing overall sugar and calorie intake while satisfying a sweet craving. Always check the nutrition label and ingredient list to know exactly what you are consuming. The safest choices are always fresh, whole foods and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Sugar-free' means the product contains less than 0.5 grams of total sugars per serving, while 'no added sugar' means no sugar was added during processing, but the product can still contain natural sugars from its ingredients.

Not necessarily, but most zero-sugar drinks have negligible calories. While artificial sweeteners provide almost no calories, sugar alcohols can contribute a small amount.

Common artificial sweeteners include Aspartame, Sucralose (Splenda), Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), and Saccharin. Natural-derived sweeteners like Stevia and Monk Fruit are also frequently used.

Some individuals may experience digestive issues from sugar alcohols. There is ongoing research and debate regarding the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and metabolism.

For those looking to reduce calorie and sugar intake, zero-sugar options can be a better choice. However, experts recommend water as the healthiest beverage and caution that relying on sweeteners may not be a magic bullet for health.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA test and regulate food additives, including sweeteners, to ensure they are safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels.

The aftertaste is often due to the specific combination of artificial sweeteners used. Some, like Acesulfame Potassium, can have a slightly bitter aftertaste that manufacturers try to mask by blending them with other sweeteners.