Finding a Fizz: Are there any zero sugar sodas that don't use aspartame?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Over one-third of consumers prioritize avoiding artificial ingredients in their beverages. For those looking to enjoy a bubbly drink without the controversial artificial sweetener, the question, "Are there any zero sugar sodas that don't use aspartame?" is more relevant than ever. Yes, plenty of options exist, utilizing alternative sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and sucralose.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of zero-sugar sodas that are sweetened without aspartame. It details several brands and their alternative sweeteners, including stevia, monk fruit, and sucralose, providing a comprehensive guide to help consumers find the right fizzy drink for their preferences and dietary needs.

Key Points

Aspartame-Free Sodas Exist: Brands like Zevia, Virgil's, and Green Cola offer zero-sugar options that are sweetened with alternatives like stevia and erythritol.
Diverse Sweetener Options: Aspartame-free sodas utilize a variety of sweeteners, including plant-derived stevia and monk fruit, as well as sucralose and sugar alcohols like erythritol.
Not All Sweeteners Are the Same: Stevia can have a distinct aftertaste, while erythritol is known for a clean, cooling effect, and sucralose tastes very similar to sugar.
Functional Sodas Provide Benefits: Brands like Olipop and Poppi include prebiotics and fiber in their zero-sugar formulas, offering potential gut-health benefits beyond simple calorie reduction.
Explore Healthy Alternatives: Outside of branded sodas, options like flavored sparkling water, kombucha, and homemade fruit-infused water provide flavorful and fizzy alternatives.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check product labels to confirm the type of sweeteners used, as brand formulations can sometimes vary or change.

Navigating the World of Aspartame-Free Zero Sugar Sodas

For decades, aspartame has been the go-to artificial sweetener for major diet soda brands like Diet Coke and Pepsi Max. However, growing consumer preference for more "natural" or alternative sweeteners has fueled the rise of new zero-sugar soda options that explicitly exclude aspartame from their ingredients list. These alternatives offer a path for health-conscious consumers to enjoy the fizzy satisfaction of soda without relying on a controversial additive.

Popular Aspartame-Free Soda Brands

Several brands have established themselves in the market by providing aspartame-free products. These companies often highlight their alternative sweeteners, which can range from plant-derived extracts to other sugar alcohols.

Zevia: One of the most recognized brands, Zevia, sweetens its entire line of zero-calorie sodas with stevia leaf extract. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, including cola, ginger ale, and fruit-flavored options. Some Zevia varieties may also include erythritol, a sugar alcohol that adds sweetness without calories.
Virgil's Zero Sugar: Known for its gourmet soda flavors, Virgil's zero-sugar line is sweetened with a blend of stevia and erythritol. The brand offers classic soda options like root beer and cola with a focus on natural ingredients.
Green Cola: This brand markets itself as an all-natural soda, sweetened exclusively with stevia leaf extract. Green Cola contains zero aspartame, zero sugar, and zero preservatives, and uses natural caffeine from green coffee beans in its caffeinated varieties.
Diet Rite: As one of the original aspartame-free sodas, Diet Rite uses a combination of sucralose (Splenda) and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) as its sweeteners. It offers a classic cola taste without aspartame and is widely available in grocery stores.
Olipop: Positioned as a "functional soda," Olipop uses a mix of plant-based sweeteners, including stevia and monk fruit, alongside dietary fiber to create a prebiotic soda. It offers a range of unique flavors beyond traditional sodas and is popular among those seeking gut-health benefits.
Poppi: Similar to Olipop, Poppi is a prebiotic soda brand that uses a blend of fruit juices and natural sweeteners to create a healthier soda alternative. The flavor variety and focus on digestive wellness make it a popular choice.

Demystifying Aspartame-Free Sweeteners

Understanding the various sweeteners used in these sodas is crucial for consumers. While all are zero-calorie, they have different sources and characteristics.

Stevia: A plant-derived sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Stevia is known for being intensely sweet, with a distinct aftertaste that some people notice. It is often combined with other sweeteners to create a more balanced flavor profile.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits. Erythritol is virtually calorie-free and does not spike blood sugar levels. It is known for having a clean taste with a mild cooling effect on the palate. It's often used in conjunction with stevia to reduce the aftertaste.
Monk Fruit: A natural sweetener derived from the monk fruit (lo han guo). It is much sweeter than sugar and has no calories. Monk fruit has a flavor profile that is generally considered clean, though it can sometimes have a slight aftertaste.
Sucralose (Splenda): While artificial, sucralose is not aspartame. It is a modified sugar molecule that is not recognized by the body as a carbohydrate, resulting in zero calories. Sucralose is very stable and provides a sweet taste profile that many find similar to sugar.

Comparison of Aspartame-Free Soda Brands


Brand	Primary Sweetener(s)	Calories	Key Feature	Common Flavors
Zevia	Stevia, Erythritol	Zero	Plant-derived, wide flavor range	Cola, Ginger Ale, Root Beer, Black Cherry
Virgil's Zero Sugar	Stevia, Erythritol	Zero	Natural ingredients, gourmet taste	Root Beer, Cream Soda, Black Cherry
Green Cola	Stevia	Zero	No artificial preservatives, natural caffeine	Cola, Orangeade, Lemonade
Diet Rite	Sucralose, Ace-K	Zero	Classic taste profile, widely available	Cola, Cherry Cola, Lemon Lime
Olipop	Stevia, Monk Fruit, Plant Fibers	Low (35-45)	Prebiotic fiber for gut health	Vintage Cola, Strawberry Vanilla, Orange Squeeze
Poppi	Stevia, Monk Fruit, Fruit Juice, Plant Fibers	Low (25)	Apple cider vinegar and prebiotics	Orange, Watermelon, Raspberry Rose

Healthy Alternatives Beyond Aisle Sodas

For those who want to move away from sodas entirely but still crave a flavorful, bubbly experience, there are excellent and refreshing alternatives:

Flavored Sparkling Water: Brands like Bubly and Waterloo offer a wide selection of flavored sparkling waters with no calories or sweeteners, using only natural flavor essences. This is a great way to enjoy the fizz without any sweetness at all.
Seltzer with Juice: For a hint of sweetness and vitamins, combine plain or flavored sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice, such as pomegranate or cherry. This gives you control over the sweetness level.
Kombucha: This fermented tea drink provides a tangy fizz and beneficial probiotics. Many brands offer low-sugar varieties that are also aspartame-free.
Herbal Tea: Naturally sweet or fruit-flavored herbal teas can be chilled and carbonated using a home soda maker for a homemade, aspartame-free soda alternative.
Infused Water: Combine still or sparkling water with sliced fresh fruits, herbs like mint, or cucumber for a subtle, natural flavor boost with zero calories.

Conclusion

For individuals seeking zero-sugar beverages, the presence of aspartame is no longer a limiting factor. The market has responded to consumer demand with a diverse range of products that leverage alternative, and in some cases, plant-based sweeteners. Whether opting for dedicated aspartame-free brands like Zevia and Green Cola or exploring functional sodas like Olipop and Poppi, there is a wealth of choice. Furthermore, simple DIY methods using sparkling water and natural ingredients offer an even healthier path to satisfying a soda craving. By reading labels and understanding the different sweeteners, consumers can confidently navigate their options and find the perfect bubbly drink that aligns with their nutritional goals.

For more information on nutrition and healthier food choices, a reliable resource is the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zevia is a widely known zero-sugar soda brand that sweetens its entire product line with stevia leaf extract. Other brands like Green Cola and some functional sodas also use stevia.

For a classic cola taste without aspartame, Diet Rite is a good option, as it uses a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium instead. Some versions of Diet Coke with Splenda also exist and are sweetened with sucralose.

No, prebiotic sodas like Olipop and Poppi are typically sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia and monk fruit and do not contain aspartame. They also contain additional ingredients like fiber for gut health.

Yes, sodas sweetened with erythritol, often in combination with stevia or monk fruit, are aspartame-free. Brands like Zevia and Virgil's Zero Sugar use erythritol in their formulations.

Sucralose and aspartame are both artificial sweeteners, but they are chemically different and can have different taste profiles. Sucralose is derived from sugar, while aspartame is a protein-based sweetener. Some brands offer products specifically sweetened with sucralose (Splenda) to cater to consumer preferences.

Yes, you can easily create your own aspartame-free alternative. Combine sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice, use fresh fruit or herb infusions, or add liquid stevia drops for sweetness.

Yes. While many use alternative artificial sweeteners like sucralose, some brands and alternatives use exclusively natural, plant-based options. For example, Zevia uses stevia leaf extract, which is plant-derived. Sparkling waters are another good option for an unsweetened fizz.