Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
In a world drowning in sugary drinks, there's one zero-calorie option that's clawed its way to the top of the charts: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Commonly known as Coke Zero, this diet soda has become a go-to for those craving the classic Coke taste without the guilt (or the sugar rush). But its journey hasn't been a smooth one. From controversial formula changes to a name that keeps evolving, Coke Zero's story is full of surprises. So, how did this no-calorie contender rise to become one of the best-selling sodas in the United States? Let's crack open the can and find out!
Originally launched in 2005 as Coca-Cola Zero, it was introduced as a new no-calorie cola. In other words, Coke’s attempt to make a diet soda that actually tasted like Coke. Not Diet Coke, but Coke. However, things took a turn in 2017 when the formula was tweaked and the name updated to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. That move did not sit well with everyone and resulted in pushback from consumers. It seems like there are a lot of people that hate when their favorite drinks change. Even more changes arrived in the form of more formula changes in the United Kingdom in July 2021, in the United States in August 2021, and in Canada in September 2021.
Despite all the drama, Coke Zero has proven its staying power. As of 2024, it's the seventh best-selling soda in the United States, and it's had the largest rise in market share among sodas since its introduction. From zero to hero, it seems like Coke Zero is winning the hearts (and taste buds) of a lot of people.
The launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar marked Coca-Cola's largest product launch in 22 years, demonstrating its focus on innovation and growth. The new product was conceived at the company's Spanish branch, elevating Marcos de Quinto to one of the key figures within the organization. The global campaign was developed by creative agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, underscoring the importance of creative marketing in promoting new products. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar was specifically marketed as having a taste that is indistinguishable from standard Coca-Cola, setting it apart from Diet Coke, which has a different flavor profile.
2017 Reformulation: Balancing Taste and Consumer Expectations
In 2017, despite experiencing increasing sales in the United States, the Coca-Cola Company announced a reformulation and rebranding of Coca-Cola Zero as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. The intent was to create a taste that more closely resembled standard Coca-Cola while emphasizing the absence of sugar. The new formula was initially tested in the United Kingdom in June 2016, with plans for a broader rollout to other countries in the following months.
The announcement sparked some vocal backlash from consumers, demonstrating the potential for consumers to react against the new formula. The Washington Post noted that Coke Zero was a very popular product, and fans compared the planned change to the infamous launch of New Coke in 1985, highlighting its potential to cause consumer dissatisfaction. However, Beverage Digest executive editor Duane Stanford observed that the flavor was very similar to the original, and the formula was likely tweaked only slightly, as the ingredients list remained the same, suggesting that the rebranding was the primary emphasis.
In Australia, the soda was relaunched as "Coca-Cola No Sugar" in 2017 but initially struggled to gain consumer acceptance, demonstrating that rebranding may not always be successful.
However, in July 2018, it was confirmed that the original formula would continue to be sold under the original Coke Zero branding in New Zealand alongside the Coke Zero Sugar product, signaling a compromise between the company’s strategy and the needs of its costumers. The original Coke Zero branding was finally phased out in 2022, along with the local launch of the 2021 reformulation.
A Further Refinement in 2021
In July 2021, the Coca-Cola Company announced another reformulation of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar that would be released throughout the U.S. in August and then throughout Canada in September, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to perfect its low-sugar beverage options. This reformulation would involve implementing the same recipe that was already available in Europe and Latin America, aiming for a more uniform product across different regions. The company stated that the recipe would "optimize existing...flavors and existing ingredients" without requiring a change in the listed ingredients or nutritional information, reflecting its careful approach to maintain existing consumer expectations. Along with the reformulation, the labeling was also updated, further underscoring the intention for a renewed brand image.
Ingredients
Understanding the composition of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar involves examining its key ingredients, which contribute to its unique taste and characteristics. The listed ingredients include:
Carbonated water
Caramel color
Phosphoric acid
Aspartame
Potassium benzoate
Natural flavors
Caffeine
While all versions of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar sold in various countries are based on the same flavoring formula and are carbonated, variations do exist in the exact combination of sweeteners and preservatives used, depending on the specific market. One liter of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains 96 mg of caffeine. Additionally, artificial sweeteners are used, specifically aspartame and acesulfame potassium in the U.S. However, there are key differences when compared to Diet Coke. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains less caffeine and uses both acesulfame potassium and aspartame as sweeteners, unlike Diet Coke, which uses only aspartame as a sweetener. Furthermore, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar contains potassium citrate, unlike Diet Coke, and does not use citric acid, which Diet Coke includes.
It's also important to note that scientific studies consistently confirm that both aspartame and acesulfame potassium can be safely consumed within established guidelines, addressing potential health concerns related to these artificial sweeteners.