What are zero sugar energy drinks sweetened with?: A Comprehensive Guide

November 7, 2025 •

5 min read

According to one review, over 50% of the U.S. population uses artificial sweeteners daily, often found in low-calorie drinks like zero-sugar energy drinks. To achieve a sweet taste without the calories, manufacturers substitute sugar with various non-nutritive and low-calorie options, prompting the question: What are zero sugar energy drinks sweetened with?

Quick Summary

Zero-sugar energy drinks are sweetened with a variety of high-intensity sweeteners, both artificial and natural, such as sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, and monk fruit.

Key Points

Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium: These are two of the most common artificial sweeteners found in zero-sugar energy drinks, often used together to create a more balanced taste profile.
Stevia and Monk Fruit: For a natural, plant-based sweetness, some zero-sugar drinks utilize high-purity extracts from stevia leaves or monk fruit.
Erythritol's Dual Role: Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, can act as both a zero-calorie sweetener and a bulking agent, especially when combined with high-intensity natural sweeteners.
Potential Gut Health Concerns: Some studies, particularly in animal models, suggest that certain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and Ace-K may disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially impacting metabolic health.
Cardiovascular Risk and Erythritol: Recent research has correlated high levels of erythritol with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, though a definitive causal link has not been established and requires further study.
Check the Label: Given the variety of sweeteners and potential health considerations, checking the ingredient list is the best way to know exactly what is in a zero-sugar energy drink.

The growing popularity of zero-sugar and low-calorie beverages has prompted a shift away from traditional sugar in energy drinks. Instead, manufacturers turn to a range of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) to provide sweetness without the caloric load. These options include both artificial and naturally-derived compounds, often used in combination to create a balanced flavor profile and mask aftertastes. Understanding which sweeteners are used and their characteristics is essential for making informed dietary choices.

The primary artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are synthesized compounds that are intensely sweet but contain virtually no calories. In zero-sugar energy drinks, several of these are common additions, sometimes used in blends for a more appealing taste.

Sucralose

Sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners globally.

Source: It is derived from sucrose (table sugar) through a multi-step chemical process that replaces three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms.
Sweetness: Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties: It is highly heat-stable, allowing it to be used in products requiring high temperatures during manufacturing. It has a clean, sugar-like taste but can sometimes have a lingering aftertaste.
Examples: Found in products like Monster Energy Zero Ultra and Bang Energy.

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)

Acesulfame Potassium, or Ace-K, is another popular artificial sweetener frequently combined with other sweeteners, such as sucralose.

Source: A potassium salt that is synthesized.
Sweetness: It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties: Like sucralose, it is heat-stable and has a long shelf life. It has a quick onset of sweetness but can have a slightly bitter or metallic aftertaste, which is why it's often used in blends.
Examples: Red Bull Zero lists both sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine.

Source: Synthesized and known by brand names like NutraSweet and Equal.
Sweetness: Approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties: Aspartame is not heat-stable and loses its sweetness when heated, which is why it's not suitable for baking.
Considerations: Individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame, and products containing it are required to have a warning label.

Naturally-derived sweeteners

As consumer preference leans toward more 'natural' ingredients, some energy drink manufacturers have turned to plant-based sweeteners.

Stevia

Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant.

Source: High-purity extracts, known as steviol glycosides, are approved for use in foods and beverages.
Sweetness: Stevia is 200–400 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties: It is non-glycemic, meaning it does not raise blood glucose levels. Some people report a mild, licorice-like aftertaste, though this varies.
Examples: Some lines of Celsius and other natural energy drinks are sweetened with stevia.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small fruit native to Southern China.

Source: The sweetness comes from compounds called mogrosides, which are extracted and used as a sweetener.
Sweetness: Monk fruit is 100–250 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties: It is a zero-calorie, non-nutritive sweetener with antioxidant properties.
Usage: Often combined with other sweeteners, like erythritol, to improve its flavor profile.

Sugar alcohols in zero-sugar drinks

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are a type of carbohydrate with a lower caloric content than sugar. Erythritol is the most common sugar alcohol used in zero-sugar energy drinks.

Erythritol

Source: While it occurs naturally in some fruits, commercial erythritol is typically made by fermenting glucose from corn or wheat starch.
Sweetness: About 70% as sweet as sugar.
Properties: Erythritol has zero calories and doesn't cause a blood sugar spike. It is well-tolerated by the digestive system compared to other sugar alcohols and does not contribute to tooth decay. It is often used as a bulking agent with high-intensity sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

Comparing non-nutritive sweeteners in energy drinks

When choosing a zero-sugar energy drink, it's helpful to compare the different sweeteners used based on their characteristics.


Feature	Sucralose (e.g., Splenda)	Aspartame (e.g., Equal)	Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)	Stevia (High-Purity Extract)	Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo)	Erythritol (Sugar Alcohol)
Sweetness	~600x sugar	~200x sugar	~200x sugar	200-400x sugar	100-250x sugar	~70% of sugar
Type	Artificial	Artificial	Artificial	Natural	Natural	Sugar Alcohol
Calories	Zero	4 cal/g (negligible in use)	Zero	Zero	Zero	Zero
Heat Stability	High	Low	High	High	High	High
Aftertaste	Minimal/Lingering	None	Metallic/Bitter	Licorice-like (variable)	Minimal	Cooling Sensation
Common Use	Soft drinks, energy drinks	Diet sodas, dry mixes	Blended with other sweeteners	Natural beverages, some flavored waters	Natural beverages, often blended	Bulking agent, blended with other sweeteners

Potential health implications of sweeteners

While non-nutritive sweeteners are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO for moderate consumption, research on long-term health effects is ongoing and can be conflicting.

Gut Microbiome: Some studies, particularly long-term animal studies and some human research, suggest that artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium can alter the balance of gut bacteria. This gut dysbiosis has been linked to metabolic changes and inflammation.
Metabolic Effects: Concerns exist regarding the impact of some sweeteners on glucose and insulin levels, though results are mixed. Some studies suggest potential links to insulin resistance over time.
Cardiovascular Health: In 2023, a study linked high levels of erythritol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, though a causal link was not proven, and the study participants already had a high risk for cardiovascular events.
Weight Management: The impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on weight is also debated. Some research indicates that using them can aid in weight loss by reducing calorie intake, while other studies suggest they may increase appetite or lead to weight gain by altering metabolism.
Phenylketonuria (PKU): Aspartame contains phenylalanine, a compound that people with PKU cannot metabolize effectively. For these individuals, consumption must be avoided or restricted.
Dental Health: Most non-nutritive sweeteners, including sugar alcohols like erythritol, are non-cariogenic and do not promote tooth decay like sugar. However, the high acidity of energy drinks, even zero-sugar versions, can still erode tooth enamel.

Making an informed choice

Choosing a zero-sugar energy drink is a personal decision that depends on your health goals and sensitivities. For those concerned about artificial ingredients, opting for drinks sweetened with stevia or monk fruit may be preferable. It is always wise to check the ingredient list to see which sweeteners are used and in what combination. Consider brands that use natural sweeteners like those from stevia (e.g., Reb M) and monk fruit for a plant-based option. Moderating consumption is always a prudent strategy, regardless of the sweetener, to mitigate potential health concerns related to high intake of any single ingredient.

Conclusion

Zero sugar energy drinks rely on a mix of artificial and natural sweeteners, such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol, to deliver a sweet taste without calories. While these sweeteners offer a way to reduce sugar intake, they are not without controversy. Some research has raised questions about their long-term effects on metabolic health, the gut microbiome, and cardiovascular risk. Ultimately, a balanced and mindful approach is recommended when consuming these beverages. For those seeking alternatives, healthier options like sparkling water, black or green tea, or naturally flavored waters can provide a refreshing boost without the potential drawbacks of high consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most zero-sugar energy drinks contain virtually no calories because they use non-nutritive sweeteners, which provide sweetness without the caloric content of sugar. However, it's always best to check the nutritional information on the can.

Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame are synthetically produced, while natural ones like high-purity stevia and monk fruit extracts are derived from plants. All are used to provide sweetness without adding significant calories or sugar.

Popular brands use different sweeteners. For example, Red Bull Zero contains sucralose and acesulfame potassium, while brands like Monster Ultra and Bang primarily use sucralose, sometimes combined with erythritol.

While the sweeteners themselves are often non-cariogenic, the acidity of many energy drinks, including zero-sugar versions, can still contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel over time.

For the general population, organizations like the FDA and WHO consider moderate consumption of aspartame safe. However, those with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it. Conflicting research exists regarding long-term side effects.

Some high-intensity sweeteners, particularly acesulfame potassium and some stevia extracts, can have a distinct aftertaste. To counteract this, manufacturers often blend multiple sweeteners for a more balanced and palatable flavor.

While derived from natural sources, purified stevia and monk fruit extracts are still processed and are high-intensity sweeteners, similar in use to artificial ones. Their health effects and safety are still a subject of ongoing research, and moderation is key, as with all sweeteners.