What is the difference between artificial sweeteners and sugar?

Artificial sweeteners (sometimes called sugar alternatives) can replace sugar in foods and drinks to give you a sweet taste but with few or no calories. They are often several hundred times sweeter than sugar. So compared to sugar, only a little is needed for the same sweet taste.

We use sugar substitutes because while sugar in moderation is fine, too much sugar isn’t good for anyone. We know people have concerns about eating or drinking too much sugar. That is why we’re taking action should you want less of it. As of 2022, 19 of our top 20 brands are reduced-sugar or zero-sugar, or have a reduced-sugar or zero-sugar option.

Do you use artificial sweeteners?

Yes. We are always rethinking many of our recipes to give you options with less sugar and fewer or no calories. To do this, we use a range of artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes, like Stevia leaf extract and aspartame. Each has its own unique taste and is often several hundred times sweeter than sugar. So compared to sugar, only a little is needed for the same sweet taste.

*While sugar also has 16 calories per teaspoon, you don't need as much aspartame to get the same sweet taste you love.

Which artificial sweeteners does The Coca‑Cola Company use?

We use a number of different sugar alternatives in our drinks, including:

  • Acesulfame potassium
    • Brand names - Sweet One®, Sunett®
    • Calories – 0
    • Sweetness - 200x sweeter than sugar
  • Aspartame
    • Brand names - Nutrasweet®, Equal®
    • Calories – 16 calories per teaspoon*
    • Sweetness - 200x sweeter than sugar
  • Stevia leaf extract
    • Brand names - Truvia®, PureVia®
    • Calories – 0 calories per teaspoon
    • 200x to 400x sweeter than sugar
  • Sucralose
    • Brand names - SPLENDA®
    • 0 calories per teaspoon
    • 600x sweeter than sugar

Why does The Coca‑Cola Company use artificial sweeteners?

We want to give you great-tasting choices with fewer or no calories, so you can decide what’s right for your lifestyle and diet. We also use sugar substitutes because they are confirmed safe by the FDA and thoroughly tested in scientific studies.

 

Learn more about our brand portfolio and what's in our products.