What Sprite Has No Sugar? The Complete Guide

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to The Coca-Cola Company, its zero-sugar version was first introduced in 1974 as "Sugar Free Sprite" before its eventual rebranding as Sprite Zero Sugar. The specific Sprite that has no sugar is Sprite Zero Sugar, a calorie-free beverage that uses artificial sweeteners instead of regular sugar. This guide will detail everything you need to know about this version, its ingredients, and how it compares to the original.

Quick Summary

Sprite Zero Sugar is the zero-calorie, sugar-free variant of Sprite, achieving its classic lemon-lime flavor with artificial sweeteners. It is designed for those seeking a guilt-free and refreshing soda option without the calories found in the standard version.

Key Points

Sprite Zero Sugar: The specific variant of Sprite that contains no sugar, using artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Zero Calories: Sprite Zero Sugar has zero calories, making it a popular choice for those managing weight or calorie intake.
Similar Flavor: It is formulated to taste almost identical to the regular, full-sugar Sprite, providing the same crisp lemon-lime refreshment.
Rebranded History: Previously known as "Sugar Free Sprite" and "Diet Sprite," the product was rebranded to "Sprite Zero Sugar" in 2019 to unify Coca-Cola's zero-calorie products.
Caffeine-Free: Like its original counterpart, Sprite Zero Sugar is caffeine-free, suitable for consumption at any time of day.
Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet flavor is achieved through a mix of low-calorie sweeteners rather than added sugar.

Introducing Sprite Zero Sugar

Sprite Zero Sugar is a direct, zero-calorie alternative to the classic Sprite. The refreshing, crisp lemon-lime flavor is maintained through the use of low-calorie sweeteners, providing a satisfying taste without the added sugar and calories. This makes it a popular choice for individuals who are monitoring their sugar intake, managing weight, or simply prefer a lighter soft drink. The branding was updated to "Sprite Zero Sugar" in 2019 to align with the Coca-Cola Company's consistent "Zero Sugar" product line.

The Shift from Diet Sprite to Sprite Zero Sugar

The sugar-free version of Sprite has a long history of name changes. First launched as "Sugar Free Sprite" in 1974, it was later renamed "Diet Sprite" in 1983. In 2002, the name changed to "Sprite Zero" to match other zero-calorie products from Coca-Cola, and the final rebrand to "Sprite Zero Sugar" occurred in 2019. This change created a consistent naming convention across the brand's low-calorie offerings, such as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

What are the ingredients in Sprite Zero Sugar?

To achieve its sweet flavor without sugar, Sprite Zero Sugar relies on a specific blend of artificial sweeteners.

Carbonated Water: The base of the drink, providing the signature fizz.
Citric Acid and Potassium Citrate: Used to provide the beverage's tartness and act as acidity regulators.
Natural Flavors: Responsible for the classic lemon and lime taste.
Artificial Sweeteners: The key to its zero-sugar content. The formula typically includes a blend of Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium (also known as Ace-K).
Preservatives: Ingredients like Potassium Benzoate are added to protect the flavor and freshness of the drink.

How does Sprite Zero Sugar taste compared to regular Sprite?

While Sprite Zero Sugar is formulated to closely mimic the taste of the original, minor differences are discernible to some palates. The taste profile is generally very similar, offering the same refreshing, citrusy flavor. However, some consumers report a slight artificial aftertaste due to the sweeteners, while others cannot tell the difference. The perception of the aftertaste is highly subjective and depends on an individual's sensitivity to artificial sweeteners. For most, the zero-calorie version provides a satisfying substitute for the full-sugar original, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy the classic lemon-lime refreshment.

Exploring the Variants of Sprite Zero Sugar

Beyond the original lemon-lime flavor, Sprite Zero Sugar has been available in a number of variants over the years, though availability can vary by region. This allows consumers to enjoy the zero-sugar option in different flavor profiles.

Sprite Cherry Zero Sugar: A cherry-flavored variant available in certain markets.
Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Zero: A holiday-themed, cranberry-flavored version sold seasonally.
Sprite Cucumber Zero Sugar: This unique flavor was introduced in some countries but has since been discontinued in many.
Sprite Ginger Zero: A ginger-flavored variant that provides an extra note of spice to the drink.

Comparison Table: Sprite vs. Sprite Zero Sugar

To better understand the differences, here is a breakdown comparing the original Sprite with Sprite Zero Sugar based on a standard 12 fl oz (355ml) serving.


Feature	Original Sprite	Sprite Zero Sugar
Calories	Approximately 140	0
Sugar	Approximately 38g	0g
Carbohydrates	Approximately 38g	0g
Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium
Taste	Classic sweet, lemon-lime flavor	Very similar to original, but some notice a slight artificial aftertaste
Caffeine	Caffeine-Free	Caffeine-Free
Primary Use	Regular soft drink consumption	Zero-calorie alternative for those watching sugar/calorie intake

Conclusion: Choosing your Sprite

For anyone asking "what Sprite has no sugar?", the answer is clearly Sprite Zero Sugar. This variant provides a calorie-free and sugar-free alternative to the original, using a blend of artificial sweeteners to maintain the classic lemon-lime flavor. While some palates may notice subtle differences, it largely succeeds in replicating the original taste, offering a refreshing choice for those managing their sugar intake or seeking a lighter option. As with any diet beverage, the best choice depends on your personal taste and dietary preferences, but Sprite Zero Sugar stands as a robust option in the sugar-free soft drink market.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sprite Zero Sugar is a zero-calorie beverage. It uses artificial sweeteners to achieve its flavor, eliminating the calories found in the sugar of regular Sprite.

Sprite Zero Sugar is the modern name for what was once called Diet Sprite. The product has undergone several rebrands, but they refer to the same zero-sugar, zero-calorie variant.

Yes, Sprite Zero Sugar uses a blend of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame and acesulfame potassium, to provide its sweet taste.

From a caloric standpoint, Sprite Zero Sugar is a healthier option as it contains no sugar or calories. However, some health experts caution about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners. The best choice depends on individual dietary goals and preferences.

No, like the original Sprite, the Zero Sugar version is completely caffeine-free, making it a suitable drink at any time of the day or night.

Yes, over time, different flavors of the zero-sugar variant have been released, such as Sprite Cherry Zero Sugar and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Zero. However, availability varies by region.

Sprite Zero Sugar is widely available at most major grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers that sell other Coca-Cola products.