Coke Zero contains approximately 125 mg of aspartame per 12 fl oz (355 ml) can, providing a low-calorie sweetening option.
Coke Zero is a popular sugar-free soda that uses aspartame as its primary sweetener. Many consumers want to know exactly how much aspartame they’re consuming with each can or bottle. This article provides detailed information about aspartame content in Coke Zero, health considerations, and comparisons with other beverages.
Aspartame Content in Coke Zero
Coke Zero contains approximately 50 mg of aspartame per 12 oz (355 ml) can. The exact amount may vary slightly by country due to different formulations, but this is the standard measurement for most markets.
The ingredients list on a Coke Zero can typically shows:
- Carbonated water
- Caramel color
- Phosphoric acid
- Aspartame (contains phenylalanine)
- Potassium benzoate
- Natural flavors
- Potassium citrate
- Acesulfame potassium
- Caffeine
Comparing Aspartame Levels in Different Sizes
| Container Size | Aspartame Content |
|---|---|
| 12 oz (355 ml) can | 50 mg |
| 20 oz (591 ml) bottle | 83 mg |
| 2 liter bottle | 280 mg |
Health Considerations of Aspartame
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at 40 mg per kg of body weight. This means:
- A 150 lb (68 kg) adult could safely consume up to 2,720 mg of aspartame daily
- This equals about 54 cans of Coke Zero per day
- Most people consume far less than this amount
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), but emphasized this was based on limited evidence and didn’t change the ADI.
Who Should Be Cautious?
Certain individuals should monitor aspartame intake:
- People with phenylketonuria (PKU) – must avoid aspartame completely
- Those with aspartame sensitivity – may experience headaches or other symptoms
- Pregnant women – may want to limit consumption as a precaution
How Coke Zero Compares to Other Diet Sodas
Most diet sodas use similar amounts of aspartame:
- Diet Coke: 125 mg per 12 oz can
- Pepsi Zero Sugar: 69 mg per 12 oz can
- Sprite Zero: 50 mg per 12 oz can
Coke Zero uses a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to enhance sweetness while keeping aspartame levels moderate. This combination helps reduce any potential bitter aftertaste.
Making Informed Choices
If you’re concerned about artificial sweeteners but want low-calorie beverages, consider:
- Sparkling water with natural flavors
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Homemade fruit-infused water
For those who enjoy smoothies as an alternative, check out our guide to the best blenders for smoothies or if you’re specifically interested in protein shakes, we recommend the best portable blender for protein shakes.
The Bottom Line
Coke Zero contains a moderate amount of aspartame that falls well below safety limits for most people. While occasional consumption is generally considered safe, those with specific health conditions or concerns may want to limit intake or choose alternative beverages.
