What is Cola Zero?

What is Cola Zero?

Cola Zero is one of the most popular soda from Coca-Cola, Pepsi and other brands. Cola Zero Sugar is a sugar free cola (soda/soft drink), that looks and tastes like a regular cola* original, but without the sugar.


*Cola is a sweet, dark-colored carbonated soft drink that often contains coloring agents and (often) caffeine.

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Pepsi Zero Sugar

33 cl can

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18 popular questions

Here you have fifteen FAQ about Cola Zero

  • 1. What is Cola Zero?

    Cola Zero Sugar is a sugar free cola (soda/soft drink), that looks and tastes like a regular cola original, but without the sugar. The best sellers are: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Pepsi MAX/Pepsi Zero Sugar.

  • 2. Is Cola Zero really zero sugar?

    Yes, Cola Zero is a zero-sugar (and often zero-calorie) cola. Also Diet Cola has no sugar, but low-calori.


    A can (33 cl) of regular cola contains 139 calories and 35 grams of sugar, while a can (33 cl) of Cola Zero contains only 1 calorie and 0 g of sugar.


    Examples of Cola Original vs Cola Zero from brand: Coca-Cola.

  • 3. Is Cola Zero good for you?

    The best is, of course, to drink tap water. What you should drink is, of course, only you decide and depends on how your diet looks in general.


    If you choose to drink soft drinks, are heavy consumers of regular Cola, are trying to cut down on foods containing sugar and think that the older diet variants taste worse, Zero can absolutely be a healthy alternative. If you like Light/Zero, it's an even better option than regular Cola, based on the current state of knowledge. If your consumption is low, it doesn't make a big difference if you choose between regular (original) and the Zero-variant.

  • 4. What is the difference between Cola Zero and Cola?

    The main difference between cola and cola zero is the sugar content (and zero/low calories). When drinking cola zero as opposed to regular (original) cola, you are consuming significantly less sugar which is a positive for weight loss and reduces the risk of weight-related diseases.

  • 5. Is Cola Zero OK to drink daily?

    Some people worring out about the (unproven) dangers of artificial sweeteners, but really, there's nothing wrong with it. Most people recommend not drinking more than one or two a day, but that's because anything in excess can be bad for you.

  • 6. Which is healthier Cola Light or Cola Zero?

    There are very few differences between Cola Light and Cola Zero. For now, there is no concrete, measurable reason to suggest that one is superior to the other. Nutritionally, there are no significant differences between Light and Zero. Their ingredient and caffeine contents are similar as well, so neither is healthier than the other. Chose the one of your own flavor!

  • 7. Why is it called Cola Zero?

    The “Zero” in the original Cola Zero's name referred to its lack of calories. The brands went with the name to sell the drink to men, who according to studies found the name “Cola Light” insufficiently masculine.

  • 8. Can diabetics drink Cola Zero?

    Experts advise people with diabetes to choose drinks that contain little or no sugar. Zero Sugar soda uses artificial sweeteners, which can increase people's weight. Increased weight, in turn, is linked to the worsening of diabetes. Therefore, zero soda is probably not suitable for diabetes.

  • 9. Is there caffeine in Cola Zero?

    Yes. But nowadays there is Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine in the stores, which is a cola with no caffeine and no sugar.

  • 10. Does Cola Zero keep you awake?

    Despite its low levels, the caffeine in Cola Zero products can still keep you awake. The FDA estimates that the half-life of caffeine is about five hours.

  • 11. Is Cola Zero better than beer?

    Sodas have zero health benefits. They contain zero vitamins or minerals. Beer has some of these, but not enough to provide a substantial amount of micronutrients to stop taking your vitamins.

  • 12. Is coffee or Cola Zero better for you?

    Coffee is the winner, particularly if you don't add sugar! The caloris are then the same as Cola Zero, but Cola Zero stil has artificial sweeteners, wisch coffe do not have. But it's easyer to have a cola zero with you in your poket, than a coffee-mug.

  • 13. Why is Cola Zero for men?

    Cola Zero was originally specifically marketed to men, who are shown to associate "diet/light" drinks with women.

  • 14. Is Cola better for you than water?

    No, water is always best. Experts recommend 8 glasses of water per day while limiting soft drinks (for example cola) or better yet, avoiding it altogether. Firstly, soda is caffeinated and high levels of caffeine may lead to dehydration. And there is artificial sweeteners in sugar free sodas. Water has the opposite effect, it is calorie free and hydrating and the benefits are priceless. But for many, a Cola Zero taste better than water.

  • 15. Is Cola Zero good for pregnancy?

    During pregnancy, it's generally considered OK to drink a soda once in a while. However, you'll want to make sure you don't drink "zero" sodas too often, because they contain artificial sweeteners and often caffeine.


  • 16. Is Cola Zero useful?

    Based on what we know today, Cola Zero does not seem to be harmful to health, but it also does not contribute any nutrition and therefore can be perceived as an unnecessary product - if you ignore the good taste. If you use Cola Zero to, for example, satisfy your sweet tooth, you instead need to review your diet in general and adjust to really get rid of the sweet tooth. Cola Zero should be seen more as a flavored supplement to an already good diet, than something to satisfy hunger.

  • 17. What is the sweetener in Cola Zero?

    Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains Aspartame (E951) and Acesulfame K (E950).


    Ingredients: Carbonated water, dye: (sugar color; ammonia sulphite process), acidity regulator: phosphoric acid; sodium citrates, sweeteners: aspartame; acesulfame K, natural flavors (incl. caffeine), preservative: sodium benzoate, antifoam: dimethylpolysiloxane. Contains a source of phenylalanine.


    Read more about Coca-Cola Zero's Nutritional content and Ingredients here.


    Read more about Pepsi Zero Sugar's Nutritional content and Ingredients here.

  • 18. How much better is Cola Zero than Cola Light?

    The difference between Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is the taste. Both drinks are sugar and calorie free. The taste of Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar is almost identical to Coca‑Cola Original Taste, however Coca‑Cola Light has a different flavor combination that is best described as a lighter cola taste.


    What both Light and Zero Sugar have in common is that they are part of one of the world's biggest brands: Coca‑Cola.

A history of Sugar Free Cola

The most important history you want to know about cola zero/diet cola


In 1963, Coca-Cola launched TaB a diet cola soft drink produced and distributed by The Coca-Cola Company (the company was warned not to call it Coca-Cola Diet for fear of damaging their trademark). TaB discontinued in 2020.


Meanwhile Pepsi released Patio Diet Cola (named so for the same reasons as TaB). In 1964, the PepsiCo dropped the confusing brand clash, and Patio Diet Cola became nowknown Diet Pepsi.


The next few years a bunch of diet sodas was launched in the market, for exampel Dr. Pepper Sugar Free. These drinks were no longer made for people with health problems, they had become a national sugar free sensation.


Coca-Cola Diet Coke was released in 1982, and fastlyg replacing TaB as Coca-Cola's flagship diet soda.


In 2005, the The Coca-Cola Company released its next iconic low-cal soft drink without sugar: Coca-Cola Coke Zero.


In June 1, 2007, Diet Pepsi MAX was introduced in the United States, and later in Canada (March 2008). "Diet" was dropped from the name in early 2009. Pepsi MAX is a zero-calorie, sugar-free cola.


In June 29, 2015, PepsiCo announced several product changes which, among other changes, announced that Pepsi MAX would be renamed in North America as Pepsi Zero Sugar. In international markets PepsiCo still use the Pepsi MAX name.


In July 2016, Coca-Cola was rebranded from Coca-Cola Coke Zero to Coca-Cola Coke Zero Sugar in UK. USA soon followed, when the rebranded version became available in August 2017.


Coca-Cola Energy was launched in 2019. It was the first time that Coca-Cola launched an energy drink under it's own brand. Coca‑Cola Energy is available in 250 ml cans and is an energy drink with a taste reminiscent of Coca‑Cola. The drink contains caffeine from natural sources, guarana extract and vitamin B and is free of taurine. The energy drink is available in two sugar-free versions, one with cola and one with cherry.

Why should you choose cola without sugar?

Less calories and no sugar. A can of regular cola contains around 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar (about 10 sugar cubes), while a can of cola Light or cola Zero Sugar just contains around 1 calorie and 0 g of sugar.


Below we see a comparison between cola with sugar and cola without sugar, from the two biggest brands. The big difference is the number of calories, where the usual sugar has been replaced by sweeteners.

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Coca-Cola Original Taste VS Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

Coca Cola Original Taste have 139 calories, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 1 calorie.

1 can of Coca-Cola Original Taste with sugar = 139 cans of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

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Pepsi Original VS Pepsi Zero Sugar & Pepsi MAX

Pepsi Original have 142 calories, Pepsi Zero Sugar & Pepsi MAX 1 calorie.
1 can of Pepsi Original with sugar = 142 cans of Pepsi Zero Sugar & Pepsi MAX.

Statistics (Coca-Cola VS Pepsi)

Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been in a battle for the top spot of the soft drink market since their inception in the middle of 1880s.

Both companies are "well-known" brands with loyal customers, but which one is more successful, accordning to numbers?

The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo
Brand value (84.86 billion U.S. dollars) Brand value (70.9 billion U.S. dollars)
50% of the population prefers Coca-Cola** 42% of the population prefers Pepsi**
Coca-Cola market share of 43.7%*** Pepsi market share of 24.1%***
Coca-Cola’s overall revenue was (33.01 billion U.S. dollars) PepsiCo’s overall revenue (70.37 billion U.S. dollars)
Coca-Cola sold 418.4 billion litres of carbonated beverages Pepsi sold 310 billion litres of carbonated beverages
Coca-Cola’s market capitalization was about 241.77 billion U.S. dollars PepsiCo’s market capitalization was about 216.25 billion U.S. dollars
Coca-Cola has around 24.6 million followers on Twitter Pepsi has around 3.1 million followers on Twitter
Coca-Cola has around 109 million followers on Facebook**** Pepsi has around 36.8 million followers on Facebook****
Coca-Cola owned 17.8% of the global carbonated soft drink market***** Pepsi owned 8.4% of the global carbonated soft drink market*****
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar recorded a 3% growth in volume***** Pepsi’s Diet Pepsi recorded a decline by 0.5% in volume*****
Coca-Cola spent 4.02 billion U.S. dollars on advertising PepsiCo spent 6.87 billion U.S. dollars on advertising
Coca-Cola’s average daily trading volume is about 19 million shares PepsiCo’s average daily trading volume is about 5 million shares
Coca-Cola has 22 billion-dollar beverage brands PepsiCo has 6 billion-dollar beverage brands
Coca-Cola contains 34mg of caffeine per 12 oz can Pepsi contains 38mg of caffeine per 12 oz can
Coca-Cola operates in over 200 countries PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries

*In 2020 - unless otherwise stated. **According to YouGov poll data. ***In 2019 in the United States. **** In July 2023. ****In 2019.

World's two most sold Cola Zero

Two of the world's biggest cola zero brands


Dr. John S. Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in 1886, while Pepsi did not come about until 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham. Coca-Cola is therefore 7 years older than its rival Pepsi.

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Pepsi Zero Sugar / Pepsi MAX

Pepsi MAX (also known as Pepsi Zero Sugar, and Pepsi Black in some countries) is a low-calorie, sugar-free cola, marketed by PepsiCo as an alternative to Pepsi and Diet Pepsi. Pepsi MAX is still available primarily in Asian and European markets. While Pepsi MAX was released in April 5, 1993, it was first available on store shelves in the United States in 2007.


A drink with the same name but different formulation (containing ginseng and higher quantities of caffeine) was sold in the United States until it was renamed "Pepsi Zero Sugar" in late 2016. Today, many just call it "Pepsi Zero".



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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a sugar free, carbonated soft drink belonging to the soft drink manufacturer Coca-Cola. First, Coca-Cola Zero was mostly marketed towards men, while Coca-Cola Light was mostly marketed towards women.


The soft drink is claimed (although debated) to taste the same as regular Coca-Cola, unlike Coca-Cola Light which is said to have a lighter and weaker taste. Coca-Cola Zero has a similar label to Coca-Cola, albeit with a black logo, and with the text "Zero" written below the logo. In 2017, an updated version of Coca-Cola Zero came. The update is that it now tastes more like regular Coca-Cola Original Taste, and that it now says "zero sugar" on the label. The rest is the same as before.

Fun facts and Statistics of Cola Zero

The most important stats you want to know as a Cola / Cola-Zero fan

Cola Zero - world wide
Sugar Free Carbonated Drinks Market to reach $243.5 billion by 2030 (cola is the biggest flavor)
Coca-Cola dominates the market share worldwide with a share of around 48%, while Pepsi has a share of approximately 20.5%
The two biggest Cola-brands (PepsiCo and Coca-Cola) compete across the soda sector in over 200 countries.
Dr Pepper is the oldest Cola-brand. (1.Dr Pepper, 2. Coca-Cola, 3. Pepsi)
The worlds first sugar free cola was called No-Cal, which was developed by beverage industry pioneer Hyman Kirsch in 1952. Some might think Coca-Cola TaB was the first diet soda, but it was not.
Dr Pepper's unique taste is difficult to place or describe. It is counted by many as a cola - but is neither a Cola, Root-Beer nor fruit drink. It has its very own flavor and for that it is loved all over the world today. Dr Pepper also own RC Cola.
Pepsi Max was launched in 1993, a 13 year head start on Coca-Cola Coke Zero - which was launched 2006.
43% of all the cola that Coca-Cola sell is Zero Sugar, Diet Coke or Coca‑Cola Life, which have less or no sugar.
Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi: Netflix* Settled the Debate with a taste test of the best Cola flavor. In the end, Coca-Cola won 6 to 5 against Pepsi.
Missing a fun fact? Contact us

Information

Cola-Zero.com has the ambition to always give you the right information. Minor changes to the product's content and packaging may occur over time and in different country and region, and we therefore ask you to always check the information on the product's current packaging before use.


The exact combination of ingredients, sweeteners and preservatives used varies from market to market. Occasionally there may be small variations in packaging, product name, color, typefaces and layout from country to country. Cola-Zero.com is a fanpage and makes no claims regarding brands, trademarks or products of any kind. You cannot buy products directly from Cola-Zero.com, therefore we refer you to the brand's own sales channels.


Cola-Zero.com is an unofficial, non-profit, non-commercial website and fanpage about soft drinks of cola without sugar.

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