When did Sprite stop using sugar? A look at its global reformulation history

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Sprite first introduced a sugar-free variant, named "Sugar Free Sprite," in the United States in 1974, marking the beginning of its complex journey with sugar alternatives. This decision did not mean the original sugary version was discontinued, but rather, that a separate option became available, with later formula tweaks influencing when Sprite stopped using sugar in various forms and regions.

Quick Summary

Sprite has never globally eliminated sugar from all products, but began offering a sugar-free version in 1974 and has since reformulated both its classic and zero-sugar lines. The timeline of when Sprite stopped using sugar completely varies significantly by country, driven by market demand and regulatory changes like sugar taxes.

Key Points

1974 marked the start of Sprite's sugar-free options: The first sugar-free version, called "Sugar Free Sprite," was introduced in the United States, not a complete removal of sugar from all products.
Sprite never fully stopped using sugar globally: The brand continues to sell full-sugar versions in many markets worldwide, often alongside a zero-sugar alternative.
The formula varies significantly by country: Government regulations, like the UK's sugar tax, have led to region-specific reformulations and sweetener choices, including the use of stevia and aspartame.
US Sprite switched to high-fructose corn syrup: In the 1980s, the classic US Sprite formula changed from sucrose to high-fructose corn syrup as a cost-saving measure, not a full removal of caloric sweeteners.
Sprite Zero Sugar is a modern evolution: Following various name changes, the zero-calorie offering was standardized as "Sprite Zero Sugar" in 2019 to create a unified global identity.
Packaging has evolved for sustainability: In 2022, Sprite shifted from green to clear plastic bottles in many regions to improve recyclability, a change unrelated to the beverage's sweetness.

The Introduction of a Sugar-Free Alternative

The perception that Sprite completely stopped using sugar is a common misconception rooted in its complex history of reformulation and product diversification. The reality is that The Coca-Cola Company, Sprite's parent company, began offering a sugar-free alternative decades ago while continuing to sell its classic full-sugar product in many markets. This move was not a complete cessation of sugar use but an expansion of consumer choice.

Key Dates in Sprite's Sugar-Free Journey:

1974: "Sugar Free Sprite" is introduced in the United States, providing the first lemon-lime, zero-sugar option for consumers.
1983: The product is renamed "Diet Sprite" in the U.S..
2002: "Sprite Zero" is introduced in Greece and rolled out globally, replacing "Diet Sprite" in many regions.
2019: The brand is again rebranded to "Sprite Zero Sugar" to create a unified identity.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Sugar

While many people focus on zero-sugar variants, another significant shift in Sprite's U.S. formula was the widespread adoption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Rising sugar costs in the late 1970s and 1980s led soft drink companies to switch from sucrose (table sugar) to HFCS in North America. This meant the "sugary" Sprite in the U.S. used HFCS rather than traditional sugar, while many other countries continued to use sugar.

Global Reformulations and the Stevia Experiment

Consumer preferences and regulations, such as sugar taxes, have led to further reformulations of both sugary and zero-sugar Sprite variants worldwide, resulting in different recipes globally.

Timeline of European Changes:

2012: Sprite in France is reformulated with a blend of sugar and stevia.
2013: The stevia-sugar blend is extended to the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
2017: In the Netherlands, Sprite becomes exclusively sugar-free.
2018: The UK replaces the stevia-sugar blend with a mix of sugar, acesulfame K, and aspartame to further reduce sugar due to the country's sugar tax; Ireland follows suit.
2020: The original sugar-sweetened formula is reintroduced in France, and Poland reverts to a sugar-only formula.

Comparison: Sprite Formulas (US vs. UK)


Feature	US Sprite (Classic)	UK Sprite (since 2018)
Sweetener(s)	High-Fructose Corn Syrup	Sugar, Acesulfame K, Aspartame
Recycled Packaging	Switched from green to clear plastic bottles in 2022.	Also uses clear plastic bottles.
Sugar Tax Impact	Not affected by UK-style sugar taxes.	Significantly influenced by the UK's soft drinks industry levy.
Taste Profile	Traditional HFCS-sweetened taste profile.	Lower sugar content with a blend of artificial and natural sweeteners.

Current Status and Conclusion

In recent years, the focus has shifted toward zero-sugar options with efforts to improve their taste. The 2019 "Sprite Zero Sugar" rebranding aimed to unify the zero-calorie brand globally. The brand also moved to clear plastic bottles in many regions in 2022 to boost recyclability, affecting both sugar and zero-sugar products.

In conclusion, Sprite did not stop using sugar at a single point. The Coca-Cola Company introduced a sugar-free line in 1974 and has continuously adapted its formulas based on regional factors, consumer preferences, and regulations. The classic, sugar-sweetened Sprite has undergone formula changes, like the switch to HFCS in the U.S., while zero-sugar options have evolved through various names and sweetener combinations. Therefore, whether Sprite contains sugar depends on its origin and specific variant.

For more information on the company's initiatives, you can visit the Coca-Cola Company's official website.

The Evolution of the Sprite Brand

History of Sprite variants

The Sprite brand includes numerous variants beyond classic lemon-lime, such as Cranberry, Tropical Remix, and Ginger. The zero-sugar line has also expanded with options like Sprite Cucumber Zero Sugar and Sprite Lemon+ Zero Sugar. These additions cater to diverse tastes and demand for low-calorie options.

Packaging changes and recycling efforts

A notable change in 2022 was the shift from iconic green to clear plastic bottles in many markets. This sustainability initiative aimed to improve the plastic's recyclability, as green PET is harder to recycle into clear bottles.

Marketing and brand identity

Sprite's marketing has also evolved. Early slogans led to the famous "Obey Your Thirst" campaign, while recent campaigns like "Heat Happens, Stay Cool" often promote zero-sugar offerings. This continuous evolution helps the brand stay relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

The product now known as Sprite Zero Sugar was first introduced in the United States in 1974 under the name "Sugar Free Sprite". It was later renamed "Diet Sprite" in 1983 and then "Sprite Zero" before adopting the current name in 2019.

Yes, classic Sprite still contains sugar in many countries around the world, though its formula may vary. A separate zero-sugar version, Sprite Zero Sugar, is widely available for those who prefer a non-sugar option.

In the UK, Sprite's formula was changed multiple times in the 2010s to reduce its sugar content and avoid the country's soft drinks industry levy, or 'sugar tax'. This led to the temporary use of stevia and later a mix of artificial sweeteners.

Yes, the classic Sprite in the United States is primarily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a change made by many soft drink companies in the 1980s due to rising sugar costs.

Yes, the taste of Sprite can vary significantly by country due to different sweetener combinations and sugar content. This is largely influenced by local market preferences and regulations.

In 2022, The Coca-Cola Company switched Sprite's plastic bottles from green to clear in many markets to improve their recyclability. The green additive made the plastic difficult to recycle into new bottles.

Sprite stopped using the sugar-stevia blend in the UK in 2018 when the company reformulated its recipe to achieve further sugar reductions and comply with the country's sugar tax.