Coca Cola

Flavor:

Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Aspartame, Potassium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Natural Flavors, Potassium Citrate, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Caffeine.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Coca Cola Zero Sugar earns a green leaf rating of 1/5 on our scale, reflecting its position at the lower end of healthier beverage options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, contributing to its low score. The inclusion of artificial sweeteners such as Acesulfame potassium and Aspartame further detracts from its overall rating, as these are added sugars that we assess to be harmful. Additionally, the presence of potentially harmful additives like natural flavors and caramel color raises concerns. Particularly, caramel color and Aspartame are identified as known harmful additives, which significantly impacts the product’s score.

The beverage’s composition begins with carbonated water, which serves as a benign base. However, the addition of caramel color, used for visual appeal, is controversial due to potential health risks associated with its consumption. Phosphoric acid, another ingredient, may pose risks to bone health, although it is mainly included to provide tartness. Aspartame and Acesulfame potassium are artificial sweeteners chosen for their ability to sweeten without adding calories, but their safety has been debated, leading to points being deducted.

Potassium benzoate is incorporated as a preservative to protect taste, but it has been scrutinized for potential health effects. The term ‘natural flavors’ is broad and non-specific, often encompassing a range of substances that may not align with cleaner food standards. Potassium citrate acts as a buffering agent, and caffeine is included for its stimulant properties.

Coca Cola Zero Sugar’s green leaf rating is a clear indicator of its standing within a health-conscious framework. The product does not meet the criteria for a cleaner, healthier beverage option due to its non-organic status, use of GMOs, and inclusion of artificial sweeteners and questionable additives. As a result, the recommendation is to avoid this product in favor of alternatives that better align with the goal of consuming cleaner and healthier food and beverage choices.