Tag: Sweetener controversy

Aspartame, a key ingredient in Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar, has been a central part of Coca-Cola's low-calorie beverage strategy since its inclusion began in the 1980s. The company's continued use of this artificial sweetener is based on a mix of factors, including taste, cost-effectiveness, and longstanding regulatory approval.

A common misconception is that acesulfame potassium is banned, yet it is approved for use in over 100 countries, including the United States and the European Union. This confusion stems from a long history of controversies and misunderstandings surrounding its safety, which continues to fuel online rumors.

In July 2023, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” igniting renewed public debate over the question: What is the most controversial artificial sweetener? This classification, along with decades of safety concerns, solidifies aspartame's standing at the center of the sweetener controversy.