How many calories does a 500ml Coke Zero have? Understanding the Zero-Calorie Claim

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Coca-Cola Company, a standard 500ml bottle of Coke Zero has zero calories. This is achieved by using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, which provides the sweet taste without the caloric content found in regular soft drinks.

Quick Summary

A 500ml bottle of Coke Zero contains virtually zero calories, a figure achieved by using artificial sweeteners. The beverage is sugar-free, but its nutritional value is negligible, and it contains compounds like artificial sweeteners and phosphoric acid.

Key Points

Zero Calories: A 500ml Coke Zero contains virtually zero calories due to the use of artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
No Sugar: The beverage contains zero grams of sugar, a key difference from regular Coca-Cola.
Trace Amounts: Some international regulations may list a trace amount of calories (e.g., 1-2 kcal per 500ml), but this is rounded down for labeling purposes in many regions, including the U.S..
Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium provide sweetness without calories.
Not Nutritious: Despite being calorie-free, Coke Zero offers no nutritional value, such as vitamins or minerals.
Health Context: Consumption should be considered within the broader context of artificial sweeteners and overall diet, as zero-calorie does not mean perfectly healthy.

The Simple Answer: How many calories does a 500ml Coke Zero have?

For all practical purposes, a 500ml bottle of Coke Zero contains zero calories. The official nutrition labels for the beverage confirm this, indicating 0 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving. However, it is important to understand the nuance behind this 'zero-calorie' claim, as it relates to food labeling regulations and the ingredients used.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners

Coke Zero is sweetened using a blend of artificial sweeteners, primarily Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), instead of the high-fructose corn syrup or sugar found in regular Coca-Cola. These sweeteners provide an intense sweet flavor with a negligible or zero caloric impact. For example, Aspartame is roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar by weight, meaning a tiny amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness. While sweeteners like Aspartame do technically contain trace amounts of calories, food and health authorities like the FDA allow products with less than 5 calories per serving to be rounded down and labeled as 'zero calorie'. This explains why some international labels or more detailed nutritional breakdowns might show a very small value, such as 1 or 2 kcal for a 500ml bottle, but the product is still marketed and widely understood as a zero-calorie drink.

Coke Zero vs. Regular Coke: A Caloric Comparison

To fully appreciate the caloric savings, a comparison with regular Coca-Cola is illustrative. A 500ml bottle of standard Coca-Cola contains a significant amount of sugar, and therefore, calories, while Coke Zero is designed to offer the same taste with a drastically different nutritional profile.


Feature	500ml Coke Zero	500ml Regular Coca-Cola
Calories	~0-2 kcal	~215 kcal
Sugar	0 g	~52-65 g (based on 16-20oz estimates)
Carbohydrates	0 g	~52-65 g (based on 16-20oz estimates)
Protein	~0-0.1 g	0 g
Sweetener	Aspartame, Acesulfame-K	High-fructose corn syrup/Sugar

Beyond the Calories: Nutritional and Health Context

While swapping regular Coke for Coke Zero saves a significant number of calories and eliminates added sugar, it's essential to consider the broader health context. Zero-calorie does not equate to 'healthy' or 'nutritious'.

Lack of nutrients: Coke Zero contains no vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber. It is a source of hydration but offers no other nutritional benefits.
Artificial sweeteners: The safety of artificial sweeteners has been a subject of ongoing debate. While deemed safe by major health organizations like the FDA, some studies have raised questions about potential long-term effects on metabolic health, gut bacteria, and cravings.
Dental health: Like other sodas, Coke Zero is acidic due to the inclusion of phosphoric acid. This can erode tooth enamel over time, regardless of the absence of sugar.
Hydration: While it is a beverage, water remains the best choice for hydration. Coke Zero and other artificially sweetened drinks should be consumed in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives to Diet Soda

If you are looking to reduce your soda intake, or simply want to find more nutritious ways to quench your thirst, several excellent alternatives exist. These options provide hydration and can offer additional health benefits, without the reliance on artificial sweeteners.

Fruit-infused water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to water for a natural, calorie-free flavor boost.
Herbal or green tea: Unsweetened tea offers a range of potential health benefits, including antioxidants.
Kombucha: A fermented tea drink that contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Be mindful of the sugar content in flavored varieties.
Sparkling water with a splash of juice: Mix sparkling water with a small amount of 100% fruit juice for a low-sugar, flavorful fizzy drink.
Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes, it's a great option for post-workout hydration, but be mindful of its natural sugar content.

Conclusion

A 500ml Coke Zero effectively contains zero calories due to the use of powerful artificial sweeteners that replace sugar. This makes it a popular option for those looking to reduce their sugar and calorie intake from beverages. However, while it is a zero-calorie drink, it is not a nutritious one. For a genuinely healthy approach to hydration, water and other natural, minimally processed alternatives remain the best choices. For those who enjoy the taste of cola, Coke Zero can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Find more information on the ingredients and nutritional content of Coca-Cola products on their official website.

Note: Specific nutritional values and ingredients may vary slightly by country due to regional formulations. Always check the label on the product you purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Coke Zero does not contain hidden calories. It is legally allowed to be labeled as 'zero calorie' because it contains fewer than 5 calories per serving, an amount considered negligible by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

Both Coke Zero and Diet Coke are zero-calorie beverages. The primary difference lies in their flavor profiles and the specific blend of artificial sweeteners used to achieve them.

The artificial sweeteners, like Aspartame, contain a minuscule amount of calories. However, because they are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, only a very small, negligible amount is used, allowing the final product to be labeled as zero-calorie.

While it removes sugar and calories, Coke Zero is not a health drink. Concerns have been raised regarding the effects of artificial sweeteners on gut bacteria and appetite, and the phosphoric acid content can negatively impact dental health.

Some studies suggest a link between consuming artificial sweeteners and weight gain, potentially due to effects on appetite and cravings, but the evidence is mixed. Coke Zero is not a magic solution for weight loss, and moderation is recommended.

Yes, a standard 500ml bottle of Coke Zero typically contains caffeine. The amount can vary, but it is present in the formula.

The absence of sugar is the main reason Coke Zero has zero calories. Instead of using high-fructose corn syrup, the formula relies entirely on artificial sweeteners to provide its sweetness.