Diet soda Aspartame

What is aspartame?

Aspartame is a sugar alternative, used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low or no sugar and calorie option. We use aspartame in some of our products because we know that many people want the choice of great tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories. It is not clear if aspartame helps people lose weight, as it may also increase appetite and affect a person’s metabolism. Aspartame may also have other negative health effects and be unsafe for some people.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener and a popular sugar substitute. It is present in low-calorie food and drinks and some medications. It is available in the United States under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal and is an ingredient in many soft drinks and food items. Despite its extensive use and popularity, aspartame has become a source of controversy in recent years, with several studies claiming the sweetener has adverse health effects. In this article, we look at the current evidence on the safety of aspartame. We also investigate how it might affect weight, appetite, and certain medical conditions.

Is aspartame safe?

Yes. Aspartame is safe. It is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in the world. Science and health professional organizations have affirmed sugar substitutes, like aspartame, are safe. So have food safety authorities, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).However, if you have the rare hereditary disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), you should strictly limit your intake of phenylalanine. This is a common amino acid found in aspartame. If we use aspartame, we say on our bottles and cans that there is phenylalanine so please check closely.
Have questions about PKU or your diet? Please talk to your doctor.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source approved aspartame for use in food and drink in 1981. According to the FDA, over 100 studies have shown aspartame to be safe for most people.

Agencies in Europe, Canada, and many other countries also approve its use, including:

• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
• Health Canada
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• World Health Organization (WHO)

According to the International Food Information Council, the FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame of 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day. The EFSA has set a lower ADI of 40 mg/kg per day.

Most people will not reach these ADI amounts. If a person weighs 68 kg, they would need to drink around 19 cans of soda or consume over 85 packs of aspartame every day to exceed the ADI.

People who eat and drink products containing aspartame consume around 4.9 mg/kg a day on average, which is less than 10% of the FDA’s recommended ADI.

What Coca‑Cola products contain aspartame?

We sweeten several of our drinks with aspartame like some of these favorites:

*Coke Zero Sugar
*Diet Barq’s
*Diet Coke
*Diet Coke Feisty Cherry
*Fanta Zero
*Fresca
*Gold Peak Diet Tea
*Mello Yello Zero
*Minute Maid Light
*Pibb Zero
*Seagrams Ginger Ale Zero Sugar
*Sprite Zero

Why do you use aspartame in your drinks?

Aspartame is a sugar alternative, used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low or no sugar and calorie option. We use aspartame in some of our products, including [Diet Coke and Coke Zero], because we know that many people want the choice of great tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories.

All our beverages can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Do your popular sodas contain aspartame?

a. Coca‑Cola

No. Our Coca‑Cola Classic taste is not sweetened with aspartame. Depending on where you are in the world, we use either high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar to give you that refreshing taste you love.

b. Coke Zero

Yes. We sweeten Coke Zero Sugar in our bottles and cans with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Together, they create a great taste with zero sugar and zero calories.

c. Diet Coke

Yes. Diet Coke in our bottles and cans is sweetened with aspartame. We also offer Diet Coke sweetened with SPLENDA®.

d. Sprite

No, but Sprite Zero in the US is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and Ace-K for a crisp, clean taste with reduced or no calories.

How can I tell if my soda contains aspartame?

We know it’s important for you to have clear facts about your favorite beverages, including the ingredients we use. That’s why we make ingredient information simple and easy to find.

One of the first places you can look is the ingredients list next to the Nutrition Facts label. It’s on the back of every can or bottle.

Our Smart Label™ QR codes on our packaging also include nutrition facts about our Coca‑Cola products.

Is there a link between diet sodas containing aspartame and cancer?

The safety of our ingredients and beverages is really important to us. As aspartame is a key ingredient used in a number of our products, we’re interested in all studies on it. According to experts, including experts from the American Cancer Society the research into this topic shows that aspartame is safe for people to consume.

Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in the world, with scientific studies consistently confirming its safety. It has been confirmed as safe by globally recognized authorities, including the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

All our beverages can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

* Ingredients:

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): In some regions, Coca-Cola uses HFCS as a sweetener instead of sugar. HFCS has been linked to obesity and metabolic issues due to its high sugar content.

Aspartame: In diet versions of Coca-Cola, aspartame is often used as a sugar substitute to reduce calorie content. This artificial sweetener has been controversial due to concerns over potential health effects.

Caffeine: Coca-Cola contains caffeine, which can affect individuals differently. It acts as a stimulant and can cause issues like increased heart rate and insomnia in sensitive individuals.

* Health Effects:

Obesity and Diabetes: Regular consumption of sugary beverages like Coca-Cola has been associated with obesity and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dental Health: The high sugar content in regular Coca-Cola can contribute to dental decay and cavities.

Caffeine Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience jitteriness, anxiety, or insomnia from consuming caffeinated beverages like Coca-Cola.

* Marketing and Public Perception:

Advertising: Coca-Cola’s marketing often emphasizes enjoyment and refreshment, sometimes overshadowing health concerns associated with its products.

Consumer Awareness: There is growing awareness among consumers about the potential health risks of sugary drinks, leading to increased demand for healthier beverage options.

* Regulatory and Industry Standards:

Labeling: Coca-Cola and similar companies are required to disclose ingredient information on their labels, including artificial sweeteners and caffeine content.

Regulatory Oversight: Health authorities regulate the use of additives like aspartame and set guidelines for acceptable levels of sugar and caffeine in beverages.

In discussing Coca-Cola and its impact on health, it’s important to consider both the ingredients used and the broader public health implications of consuming sugary and caffeinated beverages regularly. Balanced information helps consumers make informed choices about their beverage consumption habits.

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