Does Sprite Use Stevia? The Definitive Answer on Global Recipes

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

The question, "Does Sprite use stevia?" is more complex than a simple yes or no, with the ingredient list varying significantly across different countries and product lines. In fact, the Sprite available in the United States uses a completely different sweetener than a version sold in Australia or one that was briefly available in the United Kingdom.

Quick Summary

The use of stevia in Sprite varies globally. While it was used in some past UK and current Australian formulations, US Sprite uses high fructose corn syrup. Sprite Zero Sugar relies on artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Ace-K in many markets.

Key Points

Regional Variation is Key: Whether Sprite contains stevia depends entirely on the country where it is purchased, with different formulas used globally.
US Sprite Uses High Fructose Corn Syrup: The standard, full-sugar Sprite sold in the United States does not contain stevia, relying instead on high fructose corn syrup for sweetness.
UK Dropped Stevia for Aspartame: A stevia-and-sugar-blend was used in the UK's regular Sprite between 2013 and 2018 but was later replaced with aspartame and Acesulfame K.
Sprite Zero Sugar Uses Artificial Sweeteners: In many countries, including the US and UK, Sprite Zero Sugar is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Ace-K, not stevia.
Check International Variants: Some international markets, such as Australia, still use stevia in their Sprite formulation, so it is important to check the local ingredient list.
Read the Label: Due to varying recipes and frequent formula changes, the most reliable method for determining a Sprite's ingredients is to read the nutrition label on the specific can or bottle.

The Answer is Regional: Why You Must Check the Label

If you're asking, "Does Sprite use stevia?", the most accurate answer is that it depends on where you are in the world and which specific Sprite product you're holding. The Coca-Cola Company, which produces Sprite, frequently adjusts its formulas based on regional tastes, regulations, and market trends. This means that the ingredient list is not universal.

For example, the standard Sprite in the United States has never contained stevia as a primary sweetener. Instead, it is made with high fructose corn syrup. This contrasts sharply with some international versions and a period in recent history for the UK market.

A History of Stevia in Sprite: The UK Experience

In 2013, Coca-Cola introduced a reformulated regular Sprite to the UK market that included a blend of sugar and stevia, reducing its calorie content by 30%. This was part of a larger effort to address consumer demand for lower-sugar options and pre-emptively respond to potential sugar tax regulations. For a time, UK consumers could purchase a Sprite sweetened with this sugar and stevia blend.

However, this formulation was short-lived. In 2018, in response to the UK's soft drinks tax, the recipe was changed again. The stevia was removed entirely and replaced with a combination of artificial sweeteners: aspartame and acesulfame K (Ace-K). This change was made to reduce the sugar content even further, allowing the product to fall into a lower tax bracket.

Global Variations: Where Stevia Still Has a Place

While the US and modern UK versions of Sprite do not use stevia, it can still be found in other markets. For instance, Sprite in Australia features a recipe that includes both sugar and stevia. France, which was one of the first countries where Coca-Cola introduced a stevia-sweetened Sprite back in 2012, has also maintained a version with stevia.

These regional differences are a direct result of differing regulations and consumer preferences. While stevia has seen widespread adoption in certain areas, the challenges of masking its licorice-like aftertaste have led Coca-Cola to favor other sweetener combinations in many of its key markets.

A Closer Look at Sprite Zero Sugar

For consumers seeking a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option, the sweetener profile is more consistent across markets, but it still does not typically include stevia. Sprite Zero Sugar (previously Sprite Zero) in the US and UK is sweetened with a blend of artificial sweeteners: aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This blend is chosen for its taste profile and is standard for many of Coca-Cola's zero-sugar products worldwide.

How Sweeteners Compare in Different Sprite Variants

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of the sweeteners used in some major Sprite products:


Sprite Variant/Region	Sweeteners Used	Stevia?
US Standard Sprite	High Fructose Corn Syrup	No
US Sprite Zero Sugar	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	No
UK Standard Sprite (Current)	Sugar, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	No
UK Standard Sprite (2013-2018)	Sugar, Stevia	Yes (formerly)
Australia Standard Sprite	Sugar, Stevia	Yes

The Bottom Line on Sprite and Stevia

Ultimately, a consumer's ability to find stevia in a Sprite product is a matter of geography. While the sweetener has been a part of Sprite's history in certain regions, it is not a core ingredient in the most popular markets, such as the United States. For individuals looking to avoid artificial sweeteners, the best approach is to carefully read the ingredients list on the package. The only way to be absolutely certain of what is in your drink is to check for yourself.

For the latest official ingredient information, you can always check the relevant regional Coca-Cola website.

A Brief Overview of Sweeteners in Sprite

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): This is the standard sugar-based sweetener for the regular version of Sprite sold in the United States and other markets.
Aspartame & Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A blend of these artificial sweeteners is used for Sprite Zero Sugar in many regions, including the US and UK, to achieve a zero-calorie formulation.
Sucralose: This artificial sweetener is also used in some Sprite variants, such as the Sprite Zero Sugar sold in Australia.
Stevia: Derived from the stevia plant, this natural sweetener was used in some international versions of Sprite but has been phased out of many markets in favor of other low-calorie options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, Sprite formulas containing stevia are found in some international markets, such as Australia and France. The standard versions in the US and UK do not contain stevia.

No, in the United States and United Kingdom, Sprite Zero Sugar is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, not stevia.

Yes, between 2013 and 2018, the regular Sprite in the UK contained a blend of sugar and stevia. It was reformulated again in 2018 to use artificial sweeteners instead.

Coca-Cola has adjusted its Sprite formula in different markets due to factors like sugar taxes, changing consumer preferences, and optimizing for taste. For example, the UK change was made to further reduce sugar content to avoid a specific tax bracket.

Standard Sprite sold in the United States is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. The Sprite Zero Sugar version uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

While stevia is a popular natural sweetener, artificial alternatives like aspartame and sucralose are still very common in diet and zero-calorie soft drinks, including many of Coca-Cola's products.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredients list printed on the can or bottle. Given the high variation in recipes across different regions, this is the only way to be certain of what you are consuming.