The Difference Between 'Zero-Sugar' And 'Diet' Soda Labels

While both Coca-Cola's Coke Zero and Diet Coke and Pepsi's Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi are sugar-free and calorie-free, their difference lies in the artificial sweeteners used.

While Diet Coke contains only aspartame, zero-sugar sodas such as Coke Zero Sugar, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi uses both aspartame and Ace-K (aka acesulfame potassium).

These different sweetener combinations, along with other minor ingredient variations, result in different flavor profiles between the two.

Diet sodas have a lighter taste compared to the classic, full-sugar soda. In general, zero-sugar sodas taste more like the original recipe that they were made from.