What Diet Soda Has No Phosphorus? A Guide to Zero-Phosphate Brands

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with kidney disease may need to limit their phosphorus intake from dietary additives. Finding out what diet soda has no phosphorus can be challenging, as many major brands use phosphoric acid to enhance flavor and prevent discoloration. Fortunately, several options exist for those looking to avoid this mineral.

Quick Summary

Several clear diet sodas, including certain lemon-lime, ginger ale, and root beer varieties, are manufactured without phosphorus additives. The absence of phosphoric acid, a common additive, distinguishes these products from dark-colored colas. Homemade alternatives and flavored sparkling waters also provide phosphorus-free options.

Key Points

Clear Diet Sodas are Often Phosphorus-Free: Diet lemon-lime sodas like Sprite Zero and 7UP Zero Sugar are generally made without phosphoric acid.
Dark Colas Typically Contain Phosphorus: Traditional and diet colas (e.g., Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi) use phosphoric acid, an inorganic phosphorus additive, for flavor.
Ginger Ale and Root Beer Are Good Options: Diet versions of many ginger ale and root beer brands do not contain added phosphorus.
Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for 'phosphoric acid' or 'phosphate' terms, as the exact phosphorus content isn't always on nutrition labels.
Flavored Sparkling Water is a Safe Bet: Natural flavored sparkling waters, free of additives, are a reliable zero-phosphorus choice.
Homemade Drinks are Completely Controllable: Creating infused water or herbal teas is a simple way to guarantee a phosphorus-free beverage.

Why Phosphorus-Free Diet Soda is Important

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other health concerns, managing phosphorus intake is a critical part of their diet. The phosphorus added to many processed foods and beverages, especially colas, is in the form of inorganic phosphate, which is more readily absorbed by the body than organic phosphorus found naturally in foods. Excessive phosphorus levels can cause health issues, including affecting bone health and causing mineral and bone disorders.

The Role of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid, used to give many dark-colored colas their sharp, tangy flavor, is the primary source of additive phosphorus in sodas. This is why colas like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi typically contain significant amounts of phosphorus, while clear sodas often do not. Food manufacturers are not always required to list the exact quantity of phosphorus on nutrition labels, so it's essential to look for phosphoric acid or other phosphate additives in the ingredients list.

Diet Sodas with No Added Phosphorus

When searching for diet sodas without phosphorus, focusing on clear-colored and fruit-flavored options is a good strategy. Many popular brands offer phosphorus-free or extremely low-phosphorus diet versions. This is not an exhaustive list, and ingredients can change, so always check the label.

7UP Zero Sugar: As a lemon-lime soda, it contains no phosphoric acid.
Sprite Zero Sugar: Similar to 7UP, Sprite Zero is a clear, lemon-lime drink free of phosphorus additives.
Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale: Most ginger ales, including the diet versions, do not contain added phosphorus.
A&W Diet Root Beer: Many root beer brands are free from phosphoric acid, making diet versions a safe choice.
Crush Zero Sugar Orange: Certain flavors like orange may be phosphorus-free, but it's crucial to check the specific product as this can vary.
Fresca: The citrus-flavored Fresca is listed as having only a trace amount of phosphorus.
Green Cola: A brand specifically marketed as being free of phosphoric acid, sugar, and aspartame.

The Difference Between High and Low Phosphorus Diet Sodas

To help illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of typical diet sodas based on available nutritional data. Note that phosphorus content can vary by region and formula, and these are approximate values for a standard 12-ounce can.


Feature	High-Phosphorus Diet Sodas (e.g., Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi)	Low/No-Phosphorus Diet Sodas (e.g., Sprite Zero, Diet Ginger Ale)
Primary Additive	Phosphoric acid for a tangy, sharp flavor.	Citric acid, natural flavors, etc., for flavor.
Appearance	Typically dark, cola-colored.	Typically clear or light-colored.
Typical Phosphorus (mg/12 oz)	27-41 mg, depending on the variant.	0 mg, or trace amounts.
Health Impact Concern	Higher absorbable phosphorus, a concern for individuals with CKD.	Fewer dietary concerns related to mineral intake from additives.
Flavor Profile	Classic cola taste, sharp and acidic.	Generally crisp, clean, or fruity flavors.

Other Low-Phosphorus Beverage Options

For those who want to avoid diet sodas entirely, there are many refreshing, naturally phosphorus-free drinks to consider.

Flavored Sparkling Water: Brands like LaCroix or store-brand sparkling waters come in a wide range of fruit flavors with no added phosphorus.
Herbal Tea: Brewed and herbal teas are naturally phosphorus-free and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Homemade Infused Water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to plain or sparkling water for a refreshing, customized drink.
Light-Colored Juice Drinks: Light lemonades or juice cocktails can be low in phosphorus, but always check the label for additives.

Making the Best Choice for Your Health

Selecting the right beverage depends on individual health needs. For those on a restricted diet due to kidney issues, consulting a registered dietitian or physician is always recommended. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health profile. When shopping, developing the habit of checking ingredient lists for 'phosphoric acid' or other 'phosphate' terms is the most reliable way to identify phosphorus-free options. Switching from dark colas to clear diet sodas or other alternatives is a simple but effective step to manage dietary phosphorus intake.

Conclusion

While many popular dark-colored diet sodas contain added phosphorus, several readily available alternatives exist. Clear sodas, including diet versions of Sprite, 7UP, and ginger ale, are typically free of this additive. For those seeking other options, flavored sparkling water, herbal tea, and homemade infused water are excellent choices. By carefully reading ingredient labels, consumers can make informed decisions that support their dietary goals and overall health, especially if they are managing conditions like chronic kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many clear-colored diet sodas are phosphorus-free, including Sprite Zero Sugar, 7UP Zero Sugar, most diet ginger ales, and diet root beer brands like A&W.

Most clear sodas, especially lemon-lime and ginger ale, are phosphorus-free, but it's not a universal rule. The best practice is to always check the ingredient label for phosphoric acid or other phosphate additives.

Yes, Diet Coke contains added phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. This is typical for dark-colored colas.

Most major diet cola brands contain phosphoric acid and are not phosphorus-free. However, some newer health-focused brands, like Green Cola, specifically market themselves as being free of phosphoric acid.

The body absorbs added inorganic phosphorus, like that from phosphoric acid in soda, much more efficiently and completely than natural organic phosphorus found in whole foods. This makes the added form more concerning for those needing to limit their intake.

No, according to nutritional data, Pepsi Max contains phosphoric acid and is not phosphorus-free.

Good alternatives include flavored sparkling water (like LaCroix), herbal tea, unsweetened brewed tea, and homemade infused water with fruits and herbs.