Does Diet Coke Contain Stevia? Unpacking the Sweeteners

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

According to The Coca-Cola Company's official ingredient list, the traditional American version of Diet Coke does not contain stevia. Instead, it is primarily sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame. The use of stevia is often confused with other Coca-Cola products and alternative formulations.

Quick Summary

Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame, not stevia. The use of stevia is sometimes mistaken due to other Coca-Cola products like Coke Zero Sugar or discontinued drinks that have included it. Checking the ingredient label is the best way to verify the sweeteners used in any specific version.

Key Points

No Stevia in Diet Coke: The standard, globally sold Diet Coke is sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame, not stevia.
Check the Label: To be certain about ingredients, always check the label, as regional and historical variations of products exist.
Coke Zero Sugar Contains Stevia: Some reformulations of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in the US and other markets now include stevia extract in addition to artificial sweeteners.
Coca-Cola Life Used Stevia: The now-discontinued Coca-Cola Life was a reduced-calorie soda sweetened with a mix of stevia and sugar.
Stevia in Other Brands: The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia in other beverages, such as some versions of Sprite Zero Sugar and Vitaminwater Zero Sugar.
Aspartame is the Mainstay: Since 1983, aspartame has been the primary sweetener for Diet Coke, providing a clean, calorie-free taste.

Diet Coke's Primary Sweetener: Aspartame

Contrary to a common misconception, the standard formula for Diet Coke relies on the artificial sweetener aspartame to achieve its zero-calorie sweetness. Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar and is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It has been the staple sweetener for Diet Coke since 1983, replacing saccharin to provide a cleaner taste. Products containing aspartame must have a warning label for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), who cannot metabolize phenylalanine.

The Global and Historical Context of Diet Coke's Sweeteners

The sweeteners in Diet Coke can vary by country and have changed over time. Some regional versions might include different ingredients. When first launched in 1982, Diet Coke used a mix of aspartame and saccharin before switching primarily to aspartame for better taste.

The Role of Stevia in Other Coca-Cola Products

Stevia, a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener, is used in several other Coca-Cola products, which likely leads to the confusion about Diet Coke.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

Recent versions of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar include stevia extract along with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This change helps the product taste more like Coca-Cola Classic.

Coca-Cola Life (Discontinued)

Coca-Cola Life was a mid-calorie drink that used a blend of stevia and sugar. It was discontinued in many areas due to low sales.

Sprite and Vitaminwater

Stevia is also used in other drinks from Coca-Cola, such as Sprite Zero Sugar (with erythritol) and certain Vitaminwater Zero Sugar varieties.

Diet Coke vs. Stevia-Containing Products: A Comparison

Here's a look at the differences between Diet Coke and products that have used stevia:


Feature	Standard Diet Coke (US)	Modern Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (US)	Discontinued Coca-Cola Life
Primary Sweetener	Aspartame only	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, and Stevia Extract	Stevia and Sugar Blend
Calorie Content	Zero calories	Zero calories	Reduced calories
Taste Profile	Distinct, lighter taste	Closer resemblance to Coca-Cola Classic	Slightly less sweet, with a hint of stevia aftertaste
Status	Widely available	Widely available	Discontinued in most markets
Key Differentiator	Sweetened exclusively with artificial sweetener	Uses a blend of artificial and natural sweeteners	Combined natural sugar with stevia for reduced calories

Conclusion

The standard Diet Coke in the US does not contain stevia; it is sweetened with aspartame. While Coca-Cola uses stevia in other products like Coke Zero Sugar and discontinued Coca-Cola Life, Diet Coke's formula remains unchanged. Consumers seeking stevia-sweetened drinks should check specific product labels, as Coca-Cola's sweetener use varies by brand and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard version of Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame, an artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.

The traditional version of Diet Coke has never contained stevia. However, certain regional versions of Diet Coke and other Coca-Cola products, such as the discontinued Coca-Cola Life, have used stevia.

While Diet Coke does not, some newer versions of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar now contain stevia extract in addition to other artificial sweeteners. The company also uses it in certain Sprite and Vitaminwater varieties.

The confusion likely stems from Coca-Cola's use of stevia in other products, including newer versions of Coke Zero Sugar and the now-discontinued Coca-Cola Life. Widespread marketing of stevia-sweetened alternatives in the broader market also contributes to the mix-up.

Yes, as of recent reformulations in some markets, including the US, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains stevia extract along with aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Stevia is a plant-based, natural sweetener, whereas aspartame is artificial. Both are approved as safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA, but some consumers prefer stevia for its natural origin. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for taste or ingredient source.

Diet Coke has a lighter, distinct taste, which some describe as a 'diet' flavor, primarily from aspartame. Coke Zero Sugar is formulated with a blend of sweeteners, including stevia, to taste more like Coca-Cola Classic.