Let’s get one thing straight: Diet Coke is good – I know it, you know it, everybody knows it. There’s nothing like dropping a handful of ice cubes into a pre-chilled glass, popping open a can, and adding a squeeze of lemon. However, many people have been concerned about consuming its ingredients – specifically aspartame with its risk as a potential carcinogen to humans – and rightfully so.
While the WHO (World Health Organization) reaffirmed in 2023 that a daily intake of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is OK, a recent analysis of health data in the UK Biobank found a 20 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation among people who drank two liters or more of artificially sweetened drinks per week. In other words, the benefits of finding an alternative beverage (if you crave something other than water) outweigh the negative hazards, which is exactly why I decided to research some of the aspartame-free alternatives on the market. My goal? To find the closest- and best-tasting soda to Diet Coke, although, cut me a break if you don’t agree – we all have crave slightly different flavor profiles.
These picks run the gamut, from naturally essenced sparkling water to energy drinks and even prebiotic sodas, which could benefit your gut health but shouldn’t be used as a dietary replacement for fiber-rich foods. The brands ahead range from zero to 30 calories a can; zero to 200 milligrams of caffeine; and incorporate a lineup of ingredients that I encourage you to read through carefully. I also did you the favor of pouring out a can into a glass of ice so you can analyze the color, effervescence, and clarity of each drink before you decide which few to try for yourself. Ahead, read up on the seven Diet Coke alternatives on the market worth your attention.
