What Zero Sugar Soda Has No Aspartame? A Guide to Alternatives

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, the demand for natural and alternative sweeteners has grown significantly as consumers seek to avoid aspartame. For those wondering what zero sugar soda has no aspartame, a variety of options exist, utilizing different sweeteners like stevia, sucralose, or monk fruit to deliver a guilt-free fizzy experience.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of zero sugar sodas that are free of aspartame, detailing specific brands and the alternative sweeteners they use. It covers how to read ingredient labels and explores other healthy beverage options to satisfy soda cravings.

Key Points

Zevia is an Aspartame-Free Option: Zevia is a popular zero-calorie soda brand that uses stevia, a natural plant-based sweetener, instead of aspartame across its wide range of flavors.
Check Labels for Alternative Sweeteners: Aspartame-free sodas typically list alternative sweeteners like stevia, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or monk fruit in their ingredient list.
Know the Aspartame Warning: Look for the phrase "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE" on a product's ingredient list, as this indicates the presence of aspartame.
Homemade Sodas Provide Full Control: For complete ingredient transparency, making your own zero-sugar soda with sparkling water and natural flavorings is a straightforward process.
Consider Other Aspartame-Free Brands: Besides Zevia, brands like Diet Rite (sucralose/acesulfame potassium) and Virgil's (stevia/monk fruit) are also known for their aspartame-free formulations.
Probiotic Sodas Offer Added Benefits: Brands like Olipop and Humm offer zero-sugar sodas with prebiotic fiber and probiotics, supporting gut health while satisfying cravings.

Your Guide to Aspartame-Free Zero Sugar Sodas

For many, a refreshing zero-sugar soda is a daily indulgence, but concerns over the artificial sweetener aspartame have led to a quest for alternatives. Fortunately, the market has responded with numerous options. This guide will help you identify brands and types of zero sugar sodas that contain no aspartame, empowering you to make an informed choice.

Reading Labels to Identify Aspartame

To ensure a soda is truly aspartame-free, it is crucial to read the ingredient list carefully. Aspartame may be listed by name or its E-number, E951. Additionally, the label on any product containing it is legally required to include the phrase "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE," a warning for individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Being familiar with these indicators is the most reliable method for avoidance.

Zero Sugar Sodas Sweetened with Stevia

Many brands have turned to stevia, a natural, plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener, to create aspartame-free sodas.

Zevia: Perhaps the most well-known aspartame-free brand, Zevia offers a wide range of flavors, including cola, root beer, and various fruity options, all sweetened with stevia.
Green Cola: A European brand that has gained popularity, Green Cola is sweetened with stevia leaf extract and also boasts natural caffeine from green coffee beans.
Virgil's Zero Sugar Soda: Using a proprietary blend of stevia and monk fruit, Virgil's offers a selection of zero-sugar sodas, including a root beer, without any artificial ingredients.

Zero Sugar Sodas with Other Alternative Sweeteners

Other zero-sugar sodas use different non-aspartame sweeteners to achieve their taste. Here are some examples:

Diet Rite: This brand has been a long-standing choice for those avoiding aspartame. It uses a combination of sucralose and acesulfame potassium for its sweetness.
Some Pepsi Zero Sugar Products: While not all products are consistent, some variations of Pepsi Zero Sugar have been formulated without aspartame, instead using sucralose and acesulfame potassium. It's important to always check the specific product label to confirm.
Humm Probiotic Soda: This brand uses allulose, a natural sugar found in fruits like figs and raisins, which is not absorbed by the body. Their sodas are also fortified with probiotics.

Comparison Table: Zero Sugar Sodas Without Aspartame


Brand	Primary Sweetener	Key Features	Potential Aftertaste	Vegan/Keto Friendly
Zevia	Stevia	Wide flavor variety, plant-based, natural.	Can have a licorice-like aftertaste for some.	Yes/Yes
Diet Rite	Sucralose & Acesulfame Potassium	Classic soda taste, simple ingredients.	Minimal aftertaste, similar to traditional diet sodas.	Yes/Yes
Virgil's Zero Sugar	Stevia & Monk Fruit	No artificial ingredients, complex flavors.	Less pronounced aftertaste than some stevia products.	Yes/Yes
Olipop	Stevia & Monk Fruit (among others)	Prebiotic fiber for gut health, unique flavors.	Unique flavor profile may take some getting used to.	Yes/Yes
Humm Probiotic Soda	Allulose	Probiotics for gut health, no artificial sweeteners.	Balanced, mild flavor with no significant aftertaste.	Yes/Yes

Beyond the Can: Homemade Aspartame-Free Alternatives

For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own zero sugar soda is a great option. Combining carbonated or sparkling water with natural flavorings allows for complete customization.

Simple DIY Flavor Ideas:

Fruit Infusions: Add fresh fruit slices like lemon, lime, berries, or cucumber to sparkling water.
Herbal Syrups: Make a simple syrup with water, an alternative sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit drops), and herbs like mint, basil, or ginger.
Probiotic-Rich Options: Combine homemade or store-bought kombucha or water kefir with natural flavorings for a gut-healthy fizz.

By exploring these store-bought and homemade options, you can easily find a zero sugar soda that aligns with your preferences and health goals, all without aspartame.

Conclusion

Finding a zero sugar soda with no aspartame is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of brands using alternative sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, and monk fruit. Brands like Zevia, Virgil's, Diet Rite, and Humm offer satisfying flavors without aspartame. By carefully reading product labels for terms like "aspartame" or "E951," consumers can confirm the absence of this sweetener. For complete control, crafting your own zero sugar soda using sparkling water and natural ingredients is a simple and rewarding process. The wealth of available choices ensures that enjoying a fizzy, flavorful drink doesn't require compromising on your sweetener preferences.

FDA: Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several zero-sugar sodas without aspartame, including Zevia (sweetened with stevia), Virgil's Zero Sugar (stevia and monk fruit), and some formulations of Diet Rite (sucralose and acesulfame potassium). For products like Pepsi Zero Sugar, checking the label is essential.

The standard formulation of Coke Zero does contain aspartame, but Coca-Cola introduced a formula in some markets that includes stevia. However, the most recent formula available in the US still uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Always check the label to be certain.

Stevia is a natural, plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant leaves. It is widely used in many zero-sugar sodas, most notably Zevia, which sweetens its entire line of products with stevia leaf extract.

To identify aspartame, look for the ingredient on the label listed either as 'aspartame' or 'E951'. Furthermore, products containing aspartame must have a warning stating, 'Contains a source of phenylalanine,' which is a key component of aspartame.

Yes, brands like Olipop and Virgil's use a blend of natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. For a completely natural option, you can create your own soda by combining sparkling water with natural fruit juices and herbs.

Yes, sucralose is a common alternative sweetener used in aspartame-free sodas, often in combination with acesulfame potassium. Brands like Diet Rite and some variations of Pepsi Zero Sugar use this combination.

Yes, homemade sodas made with sparkling water, fresh fruits, and natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit offer a completely controlled, aspartame-free alternative. They also allow for customization of flavor and sweetness.