Is Coke Zero Sweetened with Erythritol?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Coca-Cola Company, Coke Zero is not sweetened with erythritol. It actually uses a blend of other artificial sweeteners to achieve its signature taste without sugar. This article will delve into the ingredients of Coke Zero and explore why this common misconception about erythritol exists.

Quick Summary

Coke Zero Sugar uses a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium for its sweetness, not erythritol. The combination provides a flavor profile similar to regular Coca-Cola without the calories, contrary to common dietary assumptions.

Key Points

No Erythritol: Coke Zero is not sweetened with erythritol, contrary to a common belief among some health-conscious consumers.
Primary Sweeteners: The main sweeteners in Coke Zero are aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).
Flavor Profile: The combination of aspartame and Ace-K creates a synergistic effect that more closely mimics the taste of regular Coca-Cola.
Common Confusion: Misconceptions about Coke Zero's sweeteners likely arise because erythritol is a popular, naturally-sourced sugar alcohol used by many other zero-calorie beverage brands.
Ingredient Transparency: The Coca-Cola Company's product information clearly lists the sweeteners used, offering transparency to consumers interested in the product's composition.

Debunking the Erythritol Myth in Coke Zero

Many consumers who are mindful of sugar intake or on specific diets, such as keto, often scrutinize the ingredients in their beverages. Due to the rise in popularity of sugar alcohols like erythritol in diet products, many assume it is a component of Coke Zero. However, this is not the case. A quick look at the official ingredient list from The Coca-Cola Company confirms that erythritol is not used in the formulation of Coke Zero. Instead, the product relies on a carefully balanced mixture of other sweeteners to mimic the taste of classic Coke.

The Real Sweeteners in Coke Zero

Coke Zero Sugar, the re-branded version of Coke Zero, primarily uses two different artificial sweeteners to achieve its flavor: aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). This combination is chosen strategically for its sensory properties. Aspartame provides a clean, intense sweetness, while Ace-K helps to enhance and stabilize the sweet flavor profile, often counteracting any potential bitter aftertaste associated with aspartame alone. The synergistic effect of these two sweeteners allows Coke Zero to replicate the taste of regular Coca-Cola more closely than if only one were used.

The Role of Aspartame

Aspartame is one of the most widely used and studied artificial sweeteners in the world. It is made from two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Because it is significantly sweeter than sugar, only a tiny amount is needed to sweeten a beverage. For most of the population, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have deemed it safe for consumption within an acceptable daily intake limit. However, individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must strictly monitor their intake of phenylalanine and are warned on product labels containing aspartame.

The Contribution of Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame potassium, or Ace-K, is another calorie-free sweetener often used in combination with other sweeteners. Its inclusion in Coke Zero is a key part of the product's taste strategy. By blending it with aspartame, Coca-Cola is able to create a taste that is more robust and full-bodied, making the zero-sugar option more appealing to those who prefer the classic taste.

Why the Confusion About Erythritol?

The confusion likely stems from the fact that erythritol is a popular, zero-calorie sweetener used in many other diet and sugar-free products. It is a sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, and it has gained favor for its clean taste and minimal digestive impact compared to other sugar alcohols like sorbitol. While it is a common choice for beverages in the broader market, particularly for brands appealing to keto or 'natural' health trends, it is not a part of Coca-Cola's core formula for Coke Zero. The brand Zevia, for example, is known to use a blend of erythritol and stevia, which may contribute to the general public's assumptions about all diet sodas.

Comparison of Sweeteners in Diet Sodas

To better understand why Coke Zero uses its specific blend, consider this comparison table of different sweeteners used in popular diet beverages.


Sweetener	Type	Used in Coke Zero?	Key Characteristics
Aspartame	Artificial	Yes	200x sweeter than sugar; made from amino acids; clean taste.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)	Artificial	Yes	200x sweeter than sugar; often blended with other sweeteners; enhances flavor.
Erythritol	Sugar Alcohol (Natural Source)	No	70% as sweet as sugar; minimal calories; clean taste with a cooling effect; often paired with other sweeteners.
Stevia Extract	Natural	No (Some markets)	Derived from a plant; intensely sweet; often blended with other sweeteners like erythritol due to a potential aftertaste.
Sucralose	Artificial	No	600x sweeter than sugar; made from sugar; very stable; not used in Coke Zero.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Coke Zero Sweeteners

In conclusion, it is a persistent but incorrect belief that Coke Zero is sweetened with erythritol. Based on the manufacturer's official ingredient list and third-party nutritional breakdowns, the product relies on a specific blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium to achieve its zero-calorie sweetness. While erythritol is a legitimate and widely used sugar alcohol in the broader diet beverage market, its use is not part of the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar formula. Understanding these distinctions can help consumers make informed choices based on their dietary needs and preferences.

For more detailed ingredient information, you can always visit the Coca-Cola Company's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Coke Zero is not sweetened with erythritol. Its sweetness comes from a blend of artificial sweeteners, primarily aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found in some fruits and fermented foods, while aspartame is an artificial sweetener made from amino acids. They differ in chemical structure and taste properties.

Coke Zero uses a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium to achieve a balanced and pleasant flavor profile. The combination helps to create a taste similar to regular Coke, as opposed to using a single sweetener which might have a less desirable aftertaste.

Several brands use erythritol, often in combination with other natural high-potency sweeteners like stevia. One example is Zevia, which sweetens its products with a blend of stevia and erythritol.

Yes, aspartame has been deemed safe for consumption by major food safety authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, individuals with the rare genetic disorder PKU must avoid it.

The US version of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar now includes stevia extract, a natural sweetener, in its formulation alongside aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This may vary by region.

The ingredients for Coke Zero are clearly listed on the product packaging, and detailed information is also available on the official Coca-Cola Company website.