Let’s be sparkling.
A Toronto dietitian evaluated the health benefits of zero-calorie diet sodas Coke Zero and Diet Coke – and the results are great for Coca-Cola lovers.
“Both contain aspartame, caffeine, natural flavors and caramel colors, etc.,” Abbey Sharp began her energetic TikTok pop post on Sunday.
“The main difference is that Diet Coke is sweetened exclusively with aspartame, whereas Coke Zero also contains a sweetener called acesulfame potassium or Ace-K,” Sharp continued. “Although the wellness community calls these two sweeteners complete poison, the reality is that they are both FDA approved and have been deemed safe in moderation.”
Aspartame, sold under the brand names Nutrasweet, Equal and Sugar Twin, is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Last year, the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm classified aspartame as “potentially carcinogenic to humans,” calling for further research into the potential health risks.
But the Food and Drug Administration said it disagrees with that label, noting that it “does not mean that aspartame is actually linked to cancer.”
The FDA says the acceptable daily dose of aspartame is up to 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight each day.
Ace-K, also known as Sunett and Sweet One, is also about 200 times sweeter than table sugar.
The FDA regulates Ace-K as a food additive, noting that it has reviewed more than 90 studies on the substance’s possible toxic effects.
A 2022 French study linked aspartame to an increased risk of stroke and Ace-K to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
Sharp said: “I’m not generally concerned about any of these sweeteners, although I prefer not to take any risks specifically during pregnancy with Ace-K, as it has been shown to cross the placental barrier.” »
Another major difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero, Sharp points out, is the caffeine content.
A 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains about 46 milligrams, while Coke Zero contains 34 milligrams.
In reaching his conclusion, Sharp said discipline is key.
“Honestly, diet soda is not a health food. They should be treated no differently than regular high-sugar sodas,” she explained. “They don’t really add much to the diet, other than maybe a little pleasure and a little boost of energy. Diet, zero, regular, it doesn’t matter, if you’re going to drink soda, choose the one you like the most and enjoy it in moderation.
For her part, Nashville-based dietitian Jenny Beth Kroplin warned Parade last month that artificial sweeteners can make the body crave sweets.
“Aspartame and acesulfame potassium do not increase blood sugar,” Kroplin explained. “However, the sweetness of artificial sweeteners can trigger the cephalic phase of insulin release and cause insulin levels in the body to increase over time.”
Commenters on Sharp’s 95-second video, which attracted more than 18,000 views in just a few hours, shared their Coca-Cola preferences.
“Coke zero tastes better. Diet coke has a weird aftertaste,” one TikToker explained.
“Diet Coke is simply superior, especially with a lime,” insisted another.
“I don’t care what either one tastes like. Although the Cherry Coke 0 wasn’t great,” admitted a third.
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