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Is There Aspartame in Diet Cherry Limeade?

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3 min read

Over half of U.S. adults consume diet drinks, often to manage calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness. A common drink is diet cherry limeade, raising questions about aspartame content.

Quick Summary

Most commercial diet cherry limeades use aspartame, especially brands like Sonic, for sweetness and a zero-sugar profile. Some alternatives use stevia.

Key Points

  • Primary Sweetener: Most diet cherry limeades, including Sonic's, use aspartame for a zero-sugar profile.

  • Dual Sweeteners: Often, aspartame is combined with acesulfame potassium to enhance sweetness.

  • Phenylketonurics Warning: Products with aspartame must include a warning for those with PKU due to phenylalanine.

  • Aspartame-Free Options: Alternatives are available using stevia, like True Lime.

  • Ingredient Check: Always check the ingredient list to confirm sweeteners used, as formulations vary.

  • Homemade Control: Making diet cherry limeade at home offers complete control over ingredients and avoids artificial additives.

In This Article

Many people drink diet beverages to reduce sugar and calorie intake. Cherry limeade is a popular choice, and many seek a 'diet' or 'zero sugar' version. The primary concern is: is there aspartame in diet cherry limeade? In many commercial products, the answer is yes.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Cherry Limeade

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium are used in diet drinks to provide sweetness without calories. Aspartame is a common choice because it's very sweet (about 200 times sweeter than sugar) and has a similar taste to sugar.

When a product is labeled "zero sugar" or "diet," it usually means these non-nutritive sweeteners are used. Ingredients vary by brand, or even between fountain drinks and store-bought mixes.

Sonic's Diet Cherry Limeade: A Case Study

One example is Sonic Drive-In Diet Cherry Limeade. The ingredients in their "Singles To Go" drink mix list aspartame as a main ingredient.

  • Ingredients list from Sonic Zero Sugar Drink Mix: Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Aspartame, Maltodextrin, Malic Acid, Acesulfame Potassium, etc.
  • Note for Phenylketonurics: Products with aspartame have a warning for those with Phenylketonuria (PKU), as it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid they cannot properly metabolize.

The fountain version at the restaurant typically uses a diet lemon-lime soda base (like Sprite Zero, which uses a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium) and a sugar-free cherry syrup.

Aspartame-Free Alternatives and Options

Alternatives exist for those avoiding aspartame. Some products use natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.

For example, True Lime offers a Black Cherry Limeade drink mix sweetened with stevia and no artificial sweeteners.

Comparison Table: Sweeteners in Diet Cherry Limeades

Product/Brand Sweetener(s) Used Aspartame-Free? Notes
Sonic Zero Sugar Drink Mix Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium No Contains Phenylalanine warning.
Sonic Restaurant Drink Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium No Uses diet soda base.
True Lime Black Cherry Limeade Stevia extract Yes Made from real limes, natural flavors.
Homemade Version Stevia, honey, or real sugar Yes (Optional) User controls ingredients and sweetness.

Health Considerations and Consumer Choice

The discussion about artificial sweeteners continues. While approved by the FDA, long-term use has been linked to potential concerns, such as changes in gut bacteria. The WHO has advised limiting low-calorie sweetener consumption. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and health goals.

For those concerned about aspartame, check the ingredient label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, showing the most prevalent sweeteners.

Conclusion

Most commercial diet cherry limeades contain aspartame, often with other sweeteners. This is especially true for options from Sonic. Consumers avoiding aspartame can choose brands with stevia or make it at home. Informed choices let people align their beverage consumption with their dietary needs.

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sonic's Diet Cherry Limeade, both the fountain drink and the drink mix packets, contains aspartame as a primary artificial sweetener. It is also often combined with acesulfame potassium.

Common artificial sweeteners found in diet cherry limeade include aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.

Yes, some brands, like True Lime Black Cherry Limeade drink mix packets, use natural sweeteners such as stevia extract instead of artificial options like aspartame.

Aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine. The warning is for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU), who cannot metabolize this amino acid properly.

Aspartame is approved as safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA within set limits. However, research continues on potential long-term effects.

Yes, you can make a homemade version using lime juice, cherry flavoring or real cherries, water, and a natural sweetener like stevia.

Most diet cherry limeades are zero-calorie or very low-calorie (around 5 calories per serving) because artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without significant calories.

References

  1. 1
    EWG's Food Scores | Sonic Zero Sugar Drink Mix Variety Pack ...
  2. 2
    Sonic™ Singles to Go!® Zero Sugar Cherry Limeade Drink ...
  3. 3
    TRUE LIME Black Cherry Limeade Drink Mix (10 Packets) | Made from Real Limes | No Preservatives, No Artificial Sweeteners, Gluten Free | Water Flavor Packets & Water Enhancer with Stevia
  4. 4
    Calories in Cherry Limeade from Sonic Grocery - Nutritionix
  5. 5
    Calories In Diet Cherry Limeade

Related Topics:

#artificial sweeteners #Food Additives #health concerns #diet drinks #Aspartame #sonic drive-in #sugar-free options #Cherry Limeade Ingredients

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.