Does Sprite have fake sugar? Unpacking the Sweeteners in Your Soda

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ingredient lists provided by The Coca-Cola Company, the answer to 'does Sprite have fake sugar' depends on the specific product you are drinking. While the original version uses high fructose corn syrup, its zero-sugar counterpart is sweetened with artificial additives.

Quick Summary

Regular Sprite is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, whereas Sprite Zero Sugar uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The choice between these two popular lemon-lime sodas hinges on a preference for real sugar versus a zero-calorie, artificially sweetened alternative.

Key Points

Regular Sprite's Sweetener: The classic version is sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and/or cane sugar, depending on the market.
Sprite Zero Sugar's Sweetener: The zero-sugar version contains a blend of artificial sweeteners, primarily aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).
No Fake Sugar in Regular Sprite: The original formula of Sprite uses actual sugar-based sweeteners, not artificial ones.
Zero Calories vs. Sugar Content: Regular Sprite has significant calories from sugar, while Sprite Zero Sugar provides a zero-calorie option through its sweeteners.
Sweetener Health Concerns: Both high sugar intake and artificial sweetener consumption have associated health considerations, making moderation key for either choice.
Not a Straight Swap: Replacing regular Sprite with Sprite Zero does not make it a 'healthy' choice, as both have considerations to be aware of.
Flavor Difference: Some consumers report a slight aftertaste with Sprite Zero Sugar, a common perception with artificial sweeteners.

Regular Sprite: The Truth About Its Sweeteners

For many years, the classic, sugary version of Sprite has been a staple in refrigerators worldwide. The key to its sweet taste is not an artificial sweetener, but rather a form of added sugar called high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is a sweetener derived from corn starch that became popular with manufacturers in the U.S. during the 1970s due to low corn prices. A typical 12-ounce can of regular Sprite contains significant added sugar and over 140 calories, all from that sugar. The other main ingredients are carbonated water, citric acid, sodium citrate, and natural lemon and lime flavors. The type of sugar used can vary slightly by region, with some countries using cane sugar instead of HFCS.

The Role of High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is composed of both glucose and fructose, similar to table sugar, though in slightly different ratios. From a metabolic standpoint, the body processes HFCS and table sugar in a very similar fashion. The main health consideration with regular Sprite and its use of HFCS is the high quantity of added sugar. Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to various health issues, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. This is not unique to HFCS but is a general concern with any sugar-sweetened beverage.

Sprite Zero Sugar: A Different Kind of Sweetness

In contrast to the original formula, Sprite Zero Sugar (formerly Diet Sprite) contains zero sugar and zero calories. To achieve this, The Coca-Cola Company replaces sugar with a blend of artificial sweeteners. The primary artificial sweeteners in Sprite Zero Sugar in the U.S. are aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). This provides the same familiar sweet flavor without the caloric impact of sugar. Sprite Zero Sugar was introduced as an alternative for consumers looking to reduce their sugar and calorie intake.

Are Artificial Sweeteners 'Fake Sugar'?

Artificial sweeteners are calorie-free sugar substitutes that can be hundreds or even thousands of times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame is one of the most widely studied food additives, and regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have deemed it safe for the general population. However, concerns regarding the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners persist in some parts of the scientific and consumer communities. For example, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on limited evidence. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of artificial sweeteners.

Comparison: Sprite vs. Sprite Zero Sugar

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key differences between regular Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar.


Feature	Regular Sprite	Sprite Zero Sugar
Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Cane Sugar	Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Calories	Approximately 140 per 12 oz can	Zero
Sugar Content	Approximately 38 grams per 12 oz can	Zero
Key Ingredient Concern	High quantity of added sugar	Potential long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners
Flavor Profile	Traditional, full-bodied sweetness	Crisp, clean sweetness, with some consumers perceiving a slight aftertaste
Best for	Occasional treat for those without sugar intake concerns	Reducing calorie and sugar intake, though moderation is still recommended

Healthy Alternatives to Soda

If you are looking to reduce your intake of both added sugars and artificial sweeteners, there are many healthier alternatives to soft drinks like Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar.

Sparkling water with natural fruit juice: Combine seltzer or sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice for a naturally sweetened, bubbly beverage.
Infused water: Add slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber to a pitcher of water and let it steep for a refreshing flavor.
Herbal tea: Hot or iced herbal teas offer a variety of flavors and are naturally calorie-free.
Naturally sweetened sodas: Some newer brands use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, though it is important to check the ingredients list for added sugars or other ingredients.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Sweetness

In conclusion, the question of whether Sprite has fake sugar has two distinct answers depending on the product. Regular Sprite is sweetened with real, sugar-based ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, while Sprite Zero Sugar uses artificial, zero-calorie sweeteners. The choice between the two often comes down to a trade-off between the caloric load of added sugars and the still-debated health implications of artificial sweeteners. Many health professionals recommend reducing intake of all sweetened beverages, suggesting water or naturally flavored alternatives as the healthiest options. The ultimate decision rests with individual dietary goals and preferences, but reading the ingredient list is the first step toward making an informed choice.

Learn more about The Coca-Cola Company's ingredients and products by visiting their official website: https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/sprite/products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sprite Zero Sugar contains aspartame as one of its primary artificial sweeteners, along with acesulfame potassium.

While Sprite Zero Sugar has zero calories and sugar, the health implications of artificial sweeteners are still debated. Both options are non-nutritive, and many health experts recommend water or other unsweetened beverages instead.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a processed sugar sweetener made from corn starch, composed of glucose and fructose. It is used in regular Sprite to provide sweetness because it is a cost-effective and easy-to-use ingredient for manufacturers.

The rebranding of Sprite Zero Sugar is part of a broader marketing strategy by The Coca-Cola Company to align its zero-calorie products under a single 'Zero Sugar' lineup. This aims to appeal to consumers looking for a sugar-free option with a taste profile similar to the original.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA have approved sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium as safe for consumption by the general public within recommended daily limits. However, some studies raise questions about potential long-term health effects, and research is ongoing.

In the United States, regular Sprite is primarily sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. However, ingredients can vary by country, with some regions using cane sugar.

Healthier alternatives include fruit-infused water, unsweetened sparkling water, natural fruit juices, or herbal teas. These options can provide flavor without the high sugar content or artificial sweeteners found in sodas.

Many people find that Sprite Zero Sugar tastes very similar to regular Sprite, though some can detect a slight difference in sweetness profile and a potential aftertaste from the artificial sweeteners.

Yes, regular Sprite's high fructose corn syrup is a sugar-based sweetener. Sprite Zero Sugar, however, contains no natural or added sugar.