You’re going to love this post if you’re trying to make healthier choices with soda! Lately, there has been a lot of talk about artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, and their potential impact on our health. While diet sodas promise all the flavor with no calories, many come with a list of ingredients that can make you think twice. Continue reading to discover the 20 best (diet) sodas without aspartame. Whether you’re avoiding it for health reasons or prefer more natural alternatives, this guide will help you find the perfect fizzy match for a guilt-free treat.
What Is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and drink products. Chemically, it is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide. Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, allowing manufacturers to use much smaller quantities to achieve the desired sweetness, thereby significantly reducing the caloric content of their products.
In diet sodas, aspartame is widely used due to its ability to provide a sweet taste without the added calories associated with sugar. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or manage their weight while still enjoying sweet beverages. Aspartame is also used in other low-calorie or sugar-free products, including chewing gum, yogurt, and sugar-free desserts.
Soda Without Aspartame – My Top 20 List
Some people choose to avoid aspartame due to concerns about potential health risks, including headaches, dizziness, and even links to more serious conditions like certain cancers, though research remains inconclusive. Moreover, those with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, must avoid aspartame because their bodies cannot metabolize phenylalanine, a compound in aspartame.
Choosing aspartame-free diet sodas offers several benefits. These alternatives often use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which can provide a more appealing flavor without the chemical aftertaste. Choosing these sodas will allow you to enjoy the fizzy refreshment you crave on a tropical vacation while making a healthier decision.
#1 Zevia Zero Sugar Soda
Zevia Zero Sugar Soda is a great option if you’re looking for a soda without aspartame. Zevia offers a variety of zero-sugar soda flavors, all sweetened with stevia and free from artificial ingredients. It’s sweetened with stevia leaf extract and doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. The taste is refreshing, not overly sweet, and it comes in a variety of flavors. Their best flavors include classic cola taste, ginger ale, cream soda, Dr. zevia, grape and more.
#2 Cranberry Juice and Seltzer
Cranberry juice and seltzer make a delightful and refreshing combination. The tartness of the cranberry juice pairs perfectly with the effervescence of the seltzer, creating a bubbly and flavorful drink. It’s a great alternative to sugary sodas and can be a healthier option for those looking to cut back on their sugar intake. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adjusting the ratio of juice to seltzer to suit your taste preferences.
#3 Virgil’s Zero Sugar Soda
Virgil’s Zero Sugar Soda is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a classic soda taste without the added sugar. It’s sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol, and it comes in a variety of flavors, such as root beer, cream soda, and cola. The taste is rich and satisfying, and it’s a great alternative to traditional sugary sodas. Whether you’re watching your sugar intake or just looking for a healthier option, Virgil’s Zero Sugar Soda will not disappoint you.
#4 Boylan Diet Cane Cola
Number four on my list of low-calorie sodas ditching aspartame had to be this delicious Boylan Diet Cane Cola. A great choice for those looking for the classic cola taste without the added sugar. It’s sweetened with a blend of natural sweeteners and has a rich, full-bodied flavor. The use of cane sugar gives it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other diet colas sweetened with artificial sweeteners. If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying diet cola option, Boylan Diet Cane Cola is definitely worth a try.
#5 Blue Sky Zero Sugar Soda
If you’re seeking a soda that offers a refreshing and enjoyable taste without aspartame, Blue Sky Zero Sugar Soda is definitely worth considering. It provides a classic cola taste without the added sugar because a blend of natural sweeteners is used to sweeten it. The absence of aspartame makes it a favorable option for individuals who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners. The soda has a rich, full-bodied flavor and uses natural sweeteners to provide a satisfying cola experience without aspartame.
#6 Reed’s Zero Sugar Ginger Beer
It is a great-tasting, all-natural soda drink that is certified ketogenic, making it suitable for individuals following a keto lifestyle. The absence of aspartame is a notable feature, making it a delicious option for those looking to avoid artificial sweeteners. This ginger beer offers a delicious and refreshing taste with the added benefit of being aspartame-free, catering to individuals who prioritize natural sweeteners.
#7 Diet Rite Cola
Diet Rite Cola stands out as a reliable and refreshing diet soda without aspartame. Diet Rite Cola offers a crisp, refreshing cola flavor comparable to traditional full-sugar colas. Its taste profile is robust and satisfying, with a balanced sweetness that doesn’t leave an artificial aftertaste. Instead of aspartame, Diet Rite utilizes a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Sucralose, known for its clean, sugar-like taste, ensures that the cola remains sweet and enjoyable. Acesulfame potassium complements sucralose by enhancing the sweetness and providing a well-rounded flavor without the bitterness that sometimes accompanies artificial sweeteners.
#8 Diet Coke with Splenda
Another one of the best diet drinks without aspartame is Diet Coke with Splenda. While regular Diet Coke still contains aspartame, Coca-Cola offers a diet version sweetened with Splenda. Look for the yellow label if you want the classic Diet Coke flavor without aspartame. Splenda is generally regarded as safe for daily consumption, with the FDA advising a higher daily limit compared to stevia. An average adult can consume about 23 packets a day. Since Splenda is about 600 times sweeter than sugar, a small amount is sufficient.
#9 Bai Bubbles Sparkling Antioxidant Infusion
Bai Bubbles Sparkling Antioxidant Infusion is another standout product that offers a delicious, refreshing experience without the downsides of aspartame. They offer a delightful and varied range of flavors, each crafted to provide a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. From the tart sweetness of Bolivia Black Cherry to the exotic zing of Gimbi Pink Grapefruit, every flavor is infused with real fruit essence. The carbonation level is just right, providing a pleasant and effervescent mouthfeel that enhances the fruit flavors without overwhelming them. The drink is sweetened with a blend of stevia and erythritol, both of which are derived from natural sources.
#10 Virgil’s Zero Sugar Vanilla Cream
From my personal experience, Virgil’s Zero Sugar Vanilla Cream is a fantastic choice as diet soda without aspartame. Its rich, creamy vanilla flavor and the use of natural sweeteners make it a delicious and wholesome drink that you can enjoy any time of the day. The soda’s rich vanilla essence is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a nostalgic taste that brings to mind classic cream sodas. The soda is sweetened with a proprietary blend of stevia and monk fruit, both known for their natural origins and minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
#11 Zevia Ginger Root Beer
A popular choice among health-conscious soda lovers. It includes carbonated water, natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, and citric acid. This simple yet effective combination ensures a high-quality beverage that aligns with healthy lifestyles. Zevia Ginger Root Beer combines the classic taste of root beer with a spicy ginger twist. Root beer’s bold and earthy notes are complemented nicely by ginger’s zesty and stimulating flavors. The soda is sweetened with stevia, a plant-based sweetener known for its zero-calorie content and minimal impact on blood sugar levels. This makes Zevia Ginger Root Beer a guilt-free indulgence for those avoiding aspartame and other synthetic sweeteners.
#12 Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage
Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage is the market leader in aspartame-free sodas. Their commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial sweeteners is truly commendable. The wide range of flavors they offer ensures that there’s something for everyone, from classic cola lovers to those seeking more adventurous tastes. While diet Coca-Cola drinks contain aspartame Wild Bill’s craft beverage Zero Sugar Cola is caffeine-free and made with pure cane sugar. One of the things that sets Wild Bill’s apart is the quality of their ingredients. Their sodas are made with real cane sugar, natural flavors, and without any aspartame.
#13 OLIPOP Vintage Cola
It is a nostalgic glass-bottle cola that’s packed with beneficial fiber, OLIPOP is small-batch brewed and high in prebiotics. At just 35 calories per can, this sparkling drink represents what OLIPOP calls a “new kind of soda,” sweetened with cassava syrup, fruit juice, and stevia. If you’re craving a cola that tastes great and promotes your well-being, OLIPOP’s cola flavor is a perfect choice. Plus, with 13 other enticing flavors, including exciting new options like cream soda, banana cream, and lemon-lime, there’s an OLIPOP variety for every taste preference.
#14 Sprecher Zero Sugar Root Beer
Sprecher Zero Sugar Root Beer captures the classic root beer flavor that fans of the original will recognize and love. It has a deep, creamy taste with a hint of vanilla and a touch of honey, delivering a smooth and satisfying experience with every sip. The carbonation level is spot-on, creating a fizzy, refreshing drink that is free of aspartame. Sweetened with a blend of stevia and monk fruit, this root beer maintains a pleasant sweetness. Hence, Sprecher Zero Sugar Root Beer is ideal for individuals managing their sugar intake or those on a low-carb diet.
#15 Hint Fizz Water
Hint Fizz Water stands out with its clean, crisp taste, infused with natural fruit essences. Each sip delivers a subtle hint of real fruit flavor, without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The carbonation is perfectly balanced, providing a refreshing, effervescent experience. There are four tasty flavors to choose from or a four-flavor variety pack. Peach, watermelon, cherry, and blackberry. This sparkling water contains no sweeteners—neither artificial nor natural. Instead, it relies solely on the essence of the fruits to provide flavor, ensuring that what you taste is pure and authentic.
#16 Steaz Zero Calorie Green Tea Soda
A healthier alternative to traditional sodas. A key highlight is its use of natural sweeteners like stevia in place of the popular artificial sweetener aspartame. It is a refreshing blend of fresh green tea with a hint of natural fruit flavors. The combination creates a light and energizing taste that is both unique and satisfying. The subtle sweetness, derived from natural sources, complements the earthy notes of tea perfectly. Each sip is a balanced experience, with the carbonation adding a delightful fizz. Perfect for those who are calorie-conscious or looking to maintain a healthy body weight without sacrificing flavor.
#17 Diet Shasta Cola
Diet Shasta Cola is a delightful choice for individuals looking for a diet soda without aspartame. It offers a crisp and refreshing cola flavor that’s comparable to classic full-sugar colas. The balanced sweetness doesn’t leave an artificial aftertaste, providing a satisfying drinking experience. It’s a great option for those seeking a healthier zero-calorie soda without compromising on taste. The caffeine content in diet Shasta cola is 44mg, around three to four times less than a same-sized coffee cup. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a refreshing drink without the guilt of added sugar or extra caffeine.
#18 Polar Diet Orange Dry
Polar Diet Orange Dry has a refreshing and satisfying orange flavor. The soda strikes the balance between tartness and sweetness, perfectly capturing the essence of ripe oranges. Unlike many diet sodas, there’s no artificial aftertaste; instead, you’ll enjoy a clean, crisp finish with every sip. There is just the right amount of carbonation, adding a subtle effervescence that enhances the drinking experience. Free from aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, making it suitable for individuals with sensitivities or those seeking a cleaner beverage option.
#19 Citrus in Seltzer
Citrus flavors in seltzer are a great alternative to artificially sweetened sodas because they provide a refreshing and satisfying taste without the need for added sugars or any artificial sweetener. Combining plain seltzer with a few slices of citrus creates a refreshing drink that relies on the fruit’s freshness and the seltzer’s effervescence. The natural tanginess of citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, adds a burst of flavor to the seltzer, making it a healthier and more flavorful option. Plus, the subtle effervescence from the carbonation enhances the overall drinking experience without any artificial aftertaste. It’s a great way to enjoy a fizzy drink without the guilt.
#20 Kombucha
Kombucha is a tasty and healthy alternative to sodas. It can be prepared using either green or black teas, and offers not only probiotic benefits but also the antioxidant properties of tea leaves. Fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha, have gained significant attention lately due to their rich probiotic content that supports gut health. You can brew kombucha at home, a process that takes approximately 12 days as the yeast and tea ferment, giving the beverage its characteristic tangy and effervescent qualities. To enhance the flavor of kombucha, fruit juice can be added for sweetness, resulting in a deeper taste profile.
The Risks Associated With Aspartame Consumption
While aspartame is approved for use by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority, there has been some controversy and concern about its potential health risks. Some research studies and anecdotal reports have suggested that aspartame consumption may be linked to the following health issues, although the evidence is not conclusive:
- Potential effects on certain medical conditions: Some studies have suggested that aspartame consumption may have potential effects on conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer, although more research is needed in these areas.
- Can cause cancer: Researchers and consumers have been concerned for years about a potential connection between aspartame and cancer. The World Health Organization has reclassified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” with “limited evidence,” while the FDA disagrees that the limited evidence suggests a risk of cancer in humans.
- Cause mood disorders: There have been anecdotal reports linking the consumption of aspartame to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, although scientific evidence supporting this link is limited.
My Personal Favorites
While aspartame is generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, some studies have raised concerns about its safety. Some research suggests that aspartame may be associated with adverse health effects such as headaches, mood changes, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Looking for a guilt-free energy boost? Discover the top 15 zero-sugar energy drinks that will electrify your taste buds and fuel your day!
I prefer to minimize the consumption of aspartame or other unnatural sweeteners because these contain chemicals and additives that are injurious to health. Here are my favorite alternatives for ditching aspartame-containing diet sodas:
Botanical Iced Teas and Herbal Mocktails:
- Tropical Breeze Botanical Iced Tea
- Paradise Blend Herbal Iced Tea
- Island Oasis Botanical Iced Tea
- Zen Garden Infusion Iced Tea
- Blissful Botanical Brew Iced Tea
You can enhance the classic iced tea by infusing it with botanicals and herbs.
Low-calorie Options with Natural Sweeteners:
My favorite low-calorie and low-sugar diet soda brands include:
- OLIPOP
- Virgil’s All Natural Zero Sugar
- Zevia Zero Sugar Soda
- Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aspartame a Safe Artificial Sweetener?
Aspartame is considered safe for consumption by major health authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization when consumed within the established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels. Extensive research has shown that aspartame does not pose significant health risks to the general population. However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame due to their inability to metabolize phenylalanine, a component of aspartame.
How Much Aspartame Is Safe to Consume Daily?
The FDA has established the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound (68-kilogram) person could safely consume up to about 3,400 milligrams of aspartame per day. To put this into perspective, one 12-ounce (60ml) can of diet soda typically contains around 180 milligrams of aspartame. In order to reach the ADI limit, a 150-pound person would need to drink about 18 cans of diet soda a day – a situation that doesn’t seem realistic.
Are Diet Sodas Healthier Than Regular Sodas?
Diet sodas are often perceived as healthier than regular sodas because they contain little to no calories and sugar. This makes them an appealing choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake, manage weight, or control blood sugar levels. However, the health benefits of diet sodas are doubted due to the use of sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. The best approach is moderate consumption of sodas, and it’s important to consider the potential effects of an artificial sweetener on overall health.
Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Cravings for Sweet Foods?
Yes, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may cause cravings for sweet foods. As these are often much sweeter than sugar. Consuming them can train the brain to expect intense sweetness, which may increase cravings for sugary foods and beverages. Scientists suggest that consumption of sweet-tasting substances, even without calories, can activate the brain’s reward pathways. This activation might not fully satisfy the body’s desire for energy (calories), leading to increased hunger and cravings.
Can Diet Sodas Help With Weight Loss?
Diet sodas have little to no calories, making them a better choice for those looking to reduce their overall calorie consumption. Many believe that by eliminating sugar, diet sodas help reduce the risk of weight gain and associated health problems like diabetes and tooth decay. While diet sodas can be part of a weight loss strategy by reducing calorie and sugar intake, they should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of (diet) sodas offers a rich variety of flavors and options for those seeking low-calorie soda without aspartame. As we’ve explored the 20 best sodas without aspartame, it’s clear that there are plenty of delicious alternatives sweetened with natural sugars like stevia.
Whether you prefer the robust and satisfying taste of Diet Rite Cola, the delightful range of flavors offered by Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage, or the rich, creamy Vanilla Cream of Virgil’s Zero Sugar, there is undoubtedly a perfect aspartame-free soda waiting to become your new favorite. Cheers to enjoying delicious sodas that align with our healthy lifestyle goals!
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