Is Coke Zero Keto Friendly?

Coke Zero launched in 2005 as one of the first mainstream no-calorie sodas. Depending on the country and the marketing, it's sometimes known as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Coca-Cola No Sugar. But in the US, most people still just refer to it as "Coke Zero."

Coke Zero has zero carbs. That makes it an ideal choice when you want to enjoy the taste of soda without breaking your ketosis.

One of the biggest challenges of a keto diet is staying properly hydrated. It's fine to mix in a bit of soda for taste, but the best way to hydrate is by drinking plenty of water.

Sweeteners

The primary sweetener in Coke Zero is aspartame, a sweetener that has attracted more controversy in the last twenty years than almost any other food product. A 2006 animal study initially launched the debate over aspartame, as it suggested that aspartame increases the risk of cancer. That study was widely panned, and subsequent analyses, including one by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), found no link between cancer and normal aspartame consumption.

Coke Zero also contains acesulfame potassium, sometimes known as "Ace-K". Acesulfame potassium is an unpopular ingredient in the keto community, though more than 100 FDA-reviewed studies support its safety.

A small number of people have found that artificial sweeteners can interfere with their ketosis. If you're not sure whether your body reacts negatively to artificial sweeteners, experiment with Coke Zero in small portions before integrating it into your normal diet.

Alternatives

For a soda without artificial sweeteners, consider Zevia. It's sweetened with stevia, a natural, keto-friendly sweetener that does not increase blood sugar.

You can also create your own keto-friendly soda at home. Devices like Sodastream or the Hamilton Beach Fizzini make it possible to create your own keto sodas while controlling every ingredient you use.