Is there a diet soda made with Splenda?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 report, sucralose, commonly known by the brand name Splenda, is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners in the United States. If you are wondering, "Is there a diet soda made with Splenda?" the answer is yes, although the selection and availability of these drinks can vary significantly.

Quick Summary

Several diet sodas, including certain formulations of Diet Rite and other brand-name products, use sucralose, the sweetening agent in Splenda. Availability of these beverages can vary by region, and labels should be checked to confirm sweetener content.

Key Points

Sucralose and Splenda are Interchangeable: Sucralose is the generic name for the artificial sweetener most commonly sold under the brand name Splenda.
Diet Rite Uses Sucralose: The brand Diet Rite is a well-known diet soda that uses a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium, making it a reliable choice for those seeking this sweetener.
Former Diet Coke Version Existed: Coca-Cola previously offered a version called "Diet Coke with Splenda," but this formulation was discontinued.
Availability is Not Guaranteed: The availability of specific sucralose-sweetened sodas can vary significantly by region due to market changes and reformulations.
Alternatives are Available: Options like Zevia are sweetened with stevia, offering a natural, non-sucralose alternative.
Always Check the Label: The most accurate way to confirm a soda's sweetener is to read the ingredient list, as manufacturers can change formulations.
Other Sucralose Products Exist: Sucralose is present in many other low-calorie beverages, including flavored water and powdered drink mixes.

Understanding Sucralose and its Role in Diet Sodas

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener derived from sugar through a multi-step chemical process that replaces some hydrogen-oxygen groups with chlorine atoms. The result is a compound that is 400 to 700 times sweeter than sugar but contains no calories. Marketed under the brand name Splenda, sucralose has become a popular alternative to sugar for those looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness. Its versatility and relatively clean taste profile make it a suitable choice for a variety of food and beverage products, including diet sodas.

Which Diet Soda Brands Use Sucralose?

While some major brands like Diet Coke have had a sucralose-sweetened variant in the past, their availability can be inconsistent. Historically, a version called "Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda" was introduced, but its production and widespread availability have changed over time. The best way to identify products with sucralose is to check the ingredient label, where it may be listed as "sucralose" or "Splenda".

One of the most consistent brands to use sucralose and acesulfame potassium (another sweetener) is Diet Rite. This brand has long been a go-to for consumers who prefer to avoid aspartame. Other brands, particularly store-brand options and smaller niche brands, may also use sucralose. Some craft sodas and regional brands might also utilize it, so a little searching can yield results.

Factors Influencing Availability

Regional Differences: The availability of specific diet soda formulations can vary widely by geographic location. Manufacturers may cater to regional preferences or market demands, leading to some formulations being sold in certain areas and not others.
Ingredient Reforms: Beverage companies frequently reformulate products based on consumer trends, ingredient costs, and regulatory changes. A product that once contained sucralose might be switched to another sweetener, such as aspartame or stevia, without much fanfare.
Marketing Focus: Major corporations often place their marketing power behind their flagship brands and formulations. For example, after introducing a sucralose version, Coca-Cola focused more heavily on Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which has a different sweetener blend.
Supply Chain Considerations: Global supply chains can impact the availability of specific ingredients like sucralose. Coca-Cola, for example, has mentioned reliance on certain suppliers for sucralose in the past.

Alternatives to Sucralose-Sweetened Sodas

For those who prefer a non-aspartame diet soda but can't find a sucralose option, several alternatives exist:

Stevia-Sweetened Sodas: Brands like Zevia and some Coca-Cola Life products use stevia leaf extract, a plant-based sweetener.
Other Sweetener Blends: Many diet sodas use a mix of sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or other sweeteners. Always check the ingredient list for the specific combination.
Natural Sugar-Free Options: Flavor-infused sparkling water or making your own soda using sparkling water and fruit juices offers another way to enjoy a fizzy drink without artificial sweeteners.

Comparison of Popular Sweeteners in Diet Sodas


Sweetener Name	Brand Name	Source	Key Characteristics	Common Aftertaste	Example Soda Use
Sucralose	Splenda	Sugar (Chlorinated)	400-700x sweeter than sugar, no calories	Minimal; generally clean	Diet Rite Pure Zero, Diet Pepsi with Splenda
Aspartame	NutraSweet, Equal	Amino acids	200x sweeter than sugar, low calories	Can have a chemical or bitter aftertaste	Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke
Steviol Glycosides	Stevia, PureVia, Truvia	Stevia leaf	200-350x sweeter than sugar, no calories	Often has a distinct herbal or licorice-like finish	Zevia
Acesulfame Potassium	Sunett, Ace-K	Organic acid	200x sweeter than sugar, no calories	Can have a bitter aftertaste at high concentrations	Often blended with sucralose or aspartame

Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, finding a diet soda made with Splenda requires careful label-reading and an understanding that product lines can change. While legacy brands like Diet Coke had a sucralose version, and Diet Rite uses it, regional and market factors mean that consistent availability is not guaranteed. For those who prioritize a specific sweetener, exploring alternatives or less common brands can be a successful strategy. Custom options, such as making your own flavored sparkling water, provide the most control over ingredients. Choosing the right diet soda depends on personal preference, sweetener sensitivity, and local market offerings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, diet sodas made with Splenda (sucralose) do exist, with Diet Rite being a reliable example. While the discontinued "Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda" was once a prominent option, modern choices may require a bit of searching. The market for diet drinks is dynamic, with manufacturers frequently adjusting sweetener formulas, making it crucial to read the ingredient list for the most accurate information. Exploring brands like Zevia or making homemade sodas also provides excellent alternatives for those seeking specific sweetener profiles.

How to Verify Sucralose in a Product

To ensure you are buying a sucralose-sweetened soda, follow these steps:

Read the Label: Look for "sucralose" in the list of ingredients.
Check for "Splenda" Branding: Some products may explicitly mention "sweetened with Splenda" on the packaging.
Be Mindful of Blends: Many products use a blend of sweeteners. For example, Diet Rite uses both sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Research Online: If you cannot find the information on the can, a quick search online for the specific product and its ingredients can provide clarity.
Consider "Zero Sugar" vs. "Diet": Different brands and product lines can use different sweetener combinations even within the same company. For example, Coke Zero Sugar has a different sweetener profile than the classic Diet Coke.

Ultimately, the best approach for anyone searching for a specific low-calorie sweetener is to become a diligent label reader. This will ensure you find the exact product that aligns with your dietary preferences and needs.

Other Sucralose Products

Beyond sodas, sucralose is found in a wide variety of other zero-calorie or low-calorie products, including:

Flavored Waters: Brands like Propel water.
Drink Mixes: Low-calorie Kool-Aid and similar powdered mixes.
Sports Drinks: Many "zero sugar" versions of popular sports drinks.
Meal Replacement Products: Certain Atkins Diet products.
Liquid Water Enhancers: Flavor drops for adding to water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some well-known diet sodas made with sucralose (the generic name for Splenda) include Diet Rite. Certain products from other brands, such as some flavor lines of Pepsi and other regional brands, may also contain it, but reading the ingredient label is necessary to confirm.

No, Diet Coke is no longer sweetened with Splenda. Coca-Cola previously released a version, "Diet Coke with Splenda," but that product has since been discontinued.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made from sugar through a chemical process, while aspartame is derived from amino acids. They differ in chemical structure and taste profile, though both are used as non-caloric sweeteners.

Combining sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, is a common practice used to achieve a more rounded flavor profile. This blend can also mask any lingering aftertaste that might be present when using a single sweetener at a high concentration.

No, sucralose is not considered a natural sweetener. Brands that market themselves as 'naturally sweetened' typically use alternatives like stevia leaf extract or monk fruit extract.

Finding diet sodas with sucralose can vary depending on your location and the brand. While some, like Diet Rite, are reliably found, others, like the discontinued Diet Coke with Splenda, are no longer available. Always check store inventories and product labels.

You should check the list of ingredients on the product packaging. If sucralose is present, it will be listed by its generic name, "sucralose." The packaging may also mention "sweetened with Splenda".