What drink doesn't contain aspartame? A guide to making healthier beverage choices

October 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2023 article in The Independent, many diet sodas now use alternative sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, yet aspartame remains a common ingredient in many 'sugar-free' products. For those seeking to avoid this additive, knowing exactly what drink doesn't contain aspartame is essential for making an informed choice.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an extensive list of aspartame-free beverage options, including naturally sweetened sodas, sparkling waters, teas, and homemade recipes for healthier choices.

Key Points

Naturally Sweetened Sodas: Brands like Zevia use stevia, while Olipop uses stevia and fruit juice, offering zero or low-calorie fizz without aspartame.
Sparkling and Infused Waters: Simple, clean, and refreshing options like LaCroix, Bubly, Spindrift, and Hint provide flavor from natural essences and real fruit.
Unsweetened Teas and Kombucha: From brewed teas to fermented kombucha, these drinks offer diverse flavors and potential health benefits without relying on artificial sweeteners.
Aspartame-Free Enhancers: For customizable flavor on the go, products from brands like Stur and True Lemon use stevia or natural fruit ingredients.
Read the Label: The best way to avoid aspartame is to always check the ingredients list, as many 'diet' or 'sugar-free' products may use other artificial sweeteners like sucralose.
DIY Options: Create your own customized, aspartame-free beverages by infusing water with fresh fruits, herbs, or homemade simple syrups.

For many years, aspartame was the primary sugar substitute used in diet and sugar-free products. However, growing consumer interest in clean-label products and emerging health concerns have driven many to seek alternatives. Fortunately, the market now offers a wide array of delicious beverages that deliver on taste without including this artificial sweetener. By exploring these options, you can enjoy refreshing and satisfying drinks while adhering to your dietary preferences.

Naturally Sweetened & Aspartame-Free Sodas

For those who crave the fizzy refreshment of soda without aspartame, several brands have innovated with natural sweeteners. These products offer a satisfying taste profile without the controversial artificial additives.

Zevia: This brand is a leader in the aspartame-free soda space, using stevia leaf extract to sweeten its extensive line of zero-calorie, zero-sugar sodas. Flavors range from classic cola and ginger ale to more unique options like cream soda and black cherry. Zevia's products provide the fizz and flavor of traditional soda without any artificial sweeteners or colors, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
Olipop: Positioned as a 'prebiotic soda,' Olipop uses a blend of sweeteners, including stevia leaf extract and apple juice concentrate. It also contains fiber that supports gut health. While not entirely zero-calorie, it is a low-sugar option and is aspartame-free. Its unique, vintage-inspired flavors appeal to those looking for both taste and functional benefits.
Full-Sugar Sodas: In many cases, the regular, full-sugar versions of popular sodas like Coca-Cola or Pepsi do not contain aspartame; they use high-fructose corn syrup or sugar. While they are free from this particular artificial sweetener, it is important to be mindful of their high sugar and calorie content.
Independent Brands: Many smaller, independent soda companies use natural sweeteners like cane sugar or agave nectar. Brands like Karma Drinks (using steviol glycosides) and Rocky Mountain Soda Company (using agave nectar) are good examples. Always check the ingredients list to confirm. For UK readers, Irn-Bru 1901 is widely available and contains no artificial sweeteners.

Refreshing Sparkling Waters and Fruit-Infused Options

For a completely sweetener-free experience, sparkling waters and fruit-infused drinks are an excellent choice. They deliver effervescence and flavor without any added calories or artificial ingredients.

Plain Sparkling Water: Brands like Topo Chico, LaCroix, and Bubly offer carbonated water with natural fruit essences. These drinks provide the satisfying fizz of soda without any sweeteners, artificial or otherwise. For a subtle flavor, these are a perfect everyday option.
Spindrift: This brand adds a splash of real fruit juice to sparkling water, offering a hint of sweetness without being overpowering. It is not zero-calorie, but its clean ingredient list and refreshing taste make it a favorite for many.
Hint Water: As the name suggests, Hint water contains only water infused with natural fruit flavors, with no sweeteners whatsoever. This is an ideal option for those who want a break from plain water but wish to avoid all types of sweeteners.
DIY Infused Water: For complete control over your ingredients, create your own infused water at home. Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, mint leaves, or berries to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Teas, Kombucha, and Coffee

Beyond carbonated beverages, a world of naturally delicious and aspartame-free drinks awaits.

Unsweetened Tea: Unsweetened iced tea, such as those from The Republic of Tea or Gold Peak, is a simple and healthful choice. You can also brew your own hot or iced herbal teas for a calming or energizing boost.
Kombucha: This fermented tea is lightly caffeinated and naturally effervescent. While it contains some sugar from the fermentation process, many brands keep it minimal, relying on natural ingredients for flavor. Kombucha also offers potential gut health benefits.
Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee: Brands like STōK Black Un-Sweet Cold Brew offer a zero-calorie, unsweetened coffee option. This is a great choice for coffee lovers who want a smooth, low-acidity brew without any added sweeteners.

Aspartame-Free Water Enhancers

Water enhancers offer a convenient way to add flavor on the go. While many contain aspartame, there are several brands that rely on alternatives.

Stur: These water drops and stick packs are sweetened with stevia and are an excellent option for flavoring plain water. They come in a variety of fruit flavors.
True Lemon/Lime: These powdered packets use crystallized juices and sometimes stevia, providing a natural flavor without artificial ingredients.
Miss Mary's Sinless Syrups: This brand offers a line of water enhancers that are both aspartame-free and sucralose-free.

Comparison of Aspartame-Free Drink Categories


Drink Category	Sweetener Type	Key Features	Potential Considerations
Zevia (Sodas)	Stevia	Zero calories, wide flavor variety, strong fizz.	Some individuals detect a distinct aftertaste from stevia.
Spindrift (Sparkling Water)	Real Fruit Juice	No artificial sweeteners, subtle sweetness, refreshing.	Contains minimal natural sugar and calories.
Plain Sparkling Water	None	Zero calories, simple and clean, hydration.	May be too plain for those accustomed to sweeter drinks.
Kombucha	Fermented Sugar & Fruit	Contains probiotics, lightly effervescent, complex flavor.	Fermentation process means minimal residual sugar.
Unsweetened Tea (Iced/Hot)	None (or natural)	Antioxidants, soothing, versatile.	Preparation is required; can add natural sweeteners if desired.
Water Enhancers	Stevia/Monk Fruit	Convenient, customizable flavor, portable.	Some brands may have an aftertaste; requires label-checking.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of beverages without aspartame is easier than ever, thanks to a proliferation of options that cater to different tastes and health goals. From the robust, naturally sweetened sodas of Zevia and Olipop to the simple elegance of sparkling water infused with fruit essence, there is a beverage for every occasion. For those who prefer a more traditional route, unsweetened teas and coffee provide a classic, clean alternative. When shopping, the most reliable strategy is to read the ingredient label carefully, as it will always disclose the exact sweeteners used. For more information on food additives, consider consulting authoritative sources such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food).

With so many delicious choices available, you can confidently find a drink that doesn't contain aspartame, ensuring your beverage consumption aligns with a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Making a conscious effort to seek out these alternatives can lead to a more mindful approach to your overall dietary habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many diet foods and drinks. Some people avoid it due to perceived health concerns, including potential links to headaches, allergic reactions, and more recently, an increased focus on overall health and consuming fewer artificial additives.

Yes, diet drinks listing sucralose (Splenda) or acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) on their labels do not contain aspartame, but they still contain other artificial sweeteners. Reading the ingredient list is the best way to verify the sweeteners used.

Most sparkling water brands, such as LaCroix, Bubly, and Topo Chico, are naturally aspartame-free, as they are flavored with natural fruit essences and contain no sweeteners. Spindrift is another excellent choice, using a small amount of real fruit juice for flavor.

Excellent alternatives include sparkling water with a splash of real fruit juice, kombucha, unsweetened iced tea, and homemade infused water with fruits and herbs. Naturally sweetened sodas from brands like Zevia also offer a zero-calorie option using stevia.

You should always check the ingredients. Many popular brands of flavored water or water enhancers contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Brands like Hint water and those with real fruit juice are typically safe, but always verify by reading the label.

No, the term 'sugar-free' only means the product contains no sugar. It can and often does contain other artificial sweeteners, including aspartame. You must read the ingredient list to determine which specific sweetener is used.

Authoritative sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) provide comprehensive information on food additives, including various sweeteners.