Coke Zero recently rebranded as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a type of carbonated soft drink that has zero sugar and calories. The main difference between the normal Coke and Coke Zero is that Coke Zero is a healthier version of the normal Coke consisting of zero calories while the taste remains to be the same. It is very popular in the USA and UK and is loved by its consumers because of its amazing refreshing taste. It is manufactured and marketed by the Coco-Cola company.
So today in this article we will be reviewing Coke Zero also known as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and will be determining whether it is safe for our health or not. Let’s begin.
Ingredients in Coke Zero
- Water
- Color E150d
- Phosphoric acid
- Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K)
- Natural flavorings
- Caffeine
- Acidity regulator ( Sodium citrate)
- Phenylalanine (very less amount)
Nutritional information
The 354ml can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains the following nutritive value
| Nutrition | Amount |
| Energy | 0Kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Is Coke Zero bad for your health? – Analyzing ingredients and nutrition
Artificial sweeteners
The only reason why Coke Zero or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is different from other variants is because of the presence of zero sugar and calories. Instead of using sugar, they use artificial sweeteners. The reason why should we try consuming a minimum amount of sugar is because a higher sugar intake reduces the risks of developing higher blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver. We are all aware of the high sugar content in Coca-Cola. As a result, the company has introduced this new variant in the market to make it a healthier option.
But unfortunately, to maintain the taste artificial sweeteners have been used in the drink. According to various studies and research, sweeteners are associated with weight gain, brain tumors and bladder cancer. Although the FDA has approved some artificial sweeteners but there are still certain side effects related to them if over-consumed.
When it comes to Coke Zero or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, the packaging mentions the presence of two sweeteners that are Aspartame and Acesulfame K.
Aspartame has been marked safe by the FDA but overconsumption of Aspartame can lead to headaches and nausea. So it is never recommended to consume Coke Zero on a regular basis.
Acesulfame potassium has also been marked safe by the FDA but researches are still being carried out on the fact whether it is 100% safe for our health or not. Research conducted on mice proved that it can lead to obesity and weight gain.
So, although both the sweeteners used in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar have been approved by the FDA, they have certain controversies related to it and cannot be claimed as entirely safe for our health.
Color E 150d
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar mentions the presence of color 150d. It is a type of water soluble food color that gives the caramel brown type of color in the drink. Although color 150d is marked safe, overconsumption of this food color can lead to diarrhea and high blood pressure levels. It can also lead to cancer because of the presence of 4-Methylimidazole.
Phosphoric acid
Besides carbonated water, phosphoric acid is another important ingredient present in Coke Zero. Phosphoric acid is somewhat connected to tooth decay and erosion. Generally, sodas contain phosphoric acid in high amounts. Phosphoric is added to Coke Zero to enhance its taste. But this acid can directly erode your tooth and even is related to diarrhea and stomach cramps. Moreover, it is never recommended for women in their menopausal period as it may lead to hypocalcemia.
As a result, Coca-cola is never recommended for women who are pregnant.
Caffeine
Caffeine is basically a stimulant that is generally found in tea, coffee and colas. Caffeine in Coke Zero counters the sweetness and enhances the taste further. Caffeine if consumed within permissible limits boosts your mental alertness and memory. But if overconsumed, it can lead to insomnia and restlessness. The amount of caffeine used in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is very low and within the permissible limits.
Acidity regulators
Acidity regulators are added to a product to maintain the shelf life and improve the texture of the product. Sodium citrate used as an acidity regular in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is safe for our health and does not have any side effects.
Phenylalanine
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar mentions the presence of Phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is nothing but an amino acid. It does not have any side effects if consumed in permissible amounts.
Zero nutrition
Okay so here’s the thing, even though all sorts of cola including Coke Zero may seem refreshing and tempting in taste, they contain no nutritive values. Neither do they contain any vitamins, minerals or any protein or carbohydrate content that can boost your health. Colas are carbonated drinks with no nutritive value at all, rather they are highly stuffed with sugar.
When it comes to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, it indeed does not contain any sugar but uses artificial sweeteners to enhance the taste. These artificial sweeteners used in Coke Zero are controversial and could never reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Moreover, consuming anything with no nutritive value at all is just a waste for your body. Instead of drinking Colas, it is always recommended to go for Glucon-D, ORS or any refreshing drink that at least provides you with some nutritive values.
Is Coke Zero bad for your health? – Final Verdict
After analyzing all the ingredients present in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, it can be concluded as safe for your health if consumed occasionally. It is never recommended to consume Coca-Cola Zero Sugar on a regular basis as it contains artificial sweeteners that are quite controversial. Moreover, the presence of phosphoric acid and color 150d is another big downside. It’s a big no for children who are under 12 years old, pregnant women and lactating moms. Instead of Coca-Cola zero sugar, you can always consume green tea, black coffee or homemade fruit juices that are not only refreshing in taste but also contains nutritive values.
