Diet sodas using stevia include brands like Zevia and Coca-Cola’s Stevia-sweetened products, offering a low-calorie alternative.
Stevia has become a popular natural sweetener in diet sodas, offering a zero-calorie alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Many major brands now offer stevia-sweetened options, though availability varies by region. Here’s a detailed look at the diet sodas using stevia and what makes them unique.
Major Brands Using Stevia in Diet Sodas
Coca-Cola Products with Stevia
Coca-Cola has experimented with stevia in several products:
- Coca-Cola Life (discontinued in most markets) – Used a blend of cane sugar and stevia leaf extract, containing 35% fewer calories than regular Coke
- Diet Coke Feisty Cherry – Some versions use stevia alongside other sweeteners
- Fuze Meyer Lemon Black Tea – Sweetened with stevia extract
- Blue Sky Zero Sugar Cola – Uses stevia as primary sweetener
PepsiCo’s Stevia Offerings
Pepsi has been more cautious with stevia but offers:
- Pepsi True (limited availability) – Contains stevia and cane sugar with 30% less sugar than regular Pepsi
- Bubly Bounce – Some flavors use stevia for sweetness
Zevia – The All-Stevia Soda Brand
Zevia stands out as a brand exclusively using stevia:
- Available in cola, ginger ale, grape, and other flavors
- Uses stevia leaf extract combined with erythritol
- Completely free from artificial sweeteners
Why Don’t More Major Brands Use Stevia?
Despite stevia’s benefits, most big soda companies use it sparingly because:
- Stevia can have a bitter aftertaste that requires masking with other sweeteners
- Consumer acceptance of the flavor profile varies widely
- Production costs are higher than artificial sweeteners
- Existing formulas with aspartame or sucralose have strong brand recognition
Health Considerations of Stevia Sodas
Stevia is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but there are some factors to consider:
Benefits
- Zero calories and zero glycemic impact
- May help reduce sugar intake compared to regular soda
- Plant-based origin appeals to natural food consumers
Potential Drawbacks
- Some people report digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols often paired with stevia
- The bitter aftertaste may lead some to prefer other options
- Still acidic like other sodas, which can affect dental health
How to Make Your Own Stevia-Sweetened Drinks
For those who want more control over ingredients, consider making stevia drinks at home using:
- Sparkling water as a base
- Liquid stevia drops for easy mixing
- Natural flavorings like citrus juice or herbs
For equipment to make healthy homemade drinks, check out our guide to the best blender for mixed drinks or the best stainless steel blender bottle for on-the-go options.
The Future of Stevia in Diet Sodas
As consumer demand for natural ingredients grows, more companies are likely to introduce stevia-sweetened options. Current trends include:
- Improved stevia extracts that minimize bitter aftertaste
- More blends with monk fruit and erythritol
- Regional specialty sodas using stevia as a selling point
For those interested in healthier beverage alternatives beyond soda, explore options like FDA-approved sweeteners or natural choices highlighted in this stevia vs sugar comparison.
