How Much Caffeine is in Coke Zero?
One of the sweetest soft drinks without the added sweetness, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a soda staple. No sugar, no calories, and no nonsense. Yet with all of these zeros, does Coke Zero have caffeine equalling zero? The short answer: it has 32 mg of caffeine per shelf-stable can of 330 ml. The long answer has hope for those seeking caffeine-free fizzy drink options.
This article answers: how much caffeine is in Coke Zero?
What Is Coke Zero?
Coke Zero is a product of Coca-Cola that has no sugars added, only the artificial sweeteners aspartame (Ace K) and acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K). Acesulfame K has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels when passing through the body of a consumer. Ace K and acesulfame K are approved as safe for use in the UK by the Food Standards Agency (1).
Ace K and caffeine may have negative effects on some even when consumed in moderation (2).
There’s a laundry list of foods known to trigger a migraine attack, the most common ones being foods that contain histamine and MSG, chocolate, cheese and other dairy products, artificial sweeteners (e.g. aspartame), [and] caffeine . . .
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar comes in several different flavours in the UK, including cherry and vanilla, with additional limited-release flavours.
The full list of ingredients for a single can of 330 ml in the UK includes water, caramel colour, phosphoric acid, sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K, natural flavourings Including caffeine, and sodium citrate (to regulate acidity). Coke Zero has 70 mg of sodium (1% of the daily recommended value). It also has an amino acid known as phenylalanine, which should be avoided by anyone with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Is Coke Zero Caffeine-Free?
No, Coke Zero has 32 mg of caffeine in a single 330 ml can. But did you know: Caffeine-free Coke Zero exists? It’s called Coke Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine.
The only difference in the listed ingredients is that there is no caffeine.
For an artistic expression of the feeling you get from drinking this, check out this YouTube video.
Caffeine In Coffee Vs Coke Zero
Coke Zero has 32 mg of caffeine per every 330 ml can. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine has no caffeine as the name aptly states. For comparison, there is approximately 95-100 mg of caffeine in coffee for a standard cup of 240 ml. There is anywhere from 100 to 200 mg of caffeine in one caffeine tablet depending on the brand of coffee pills. Standard Coke coffee has 69 mg of caffeine per every 12 fluid oz. (355 ml) can, which means that it has more caffeine than in Coke Zero, energy drinks, or Pepsi, all with similar amounts of caffeine.
Final Thoughts
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a super sweet soft drink that has 32mg of caffeine per every 330 ml shelf-stable can. Coke Zero Sugar Caffeine-Free options have no caffeine. Like other drinks of its kind, it has a relatively low amount of caffeine compared to a traditional cup of coffee, which has about triple this quantity.
FAQs
The benefits of Coke Zero are… none, really. You’re probably dissatisfied with this. Coke Zero has no sugar, but it uses artificial sweeteners and other chemicals. It contains caffeine, which helps you feel more energized. The main benefit is the taste and experience of a fizzy drink.
Coke Zero raises insulin, increases the risk of developing diabetes, and worsens existing diabetes. Artificial sweeteners are known to cause insulin spikes in the blood, which eventually increase blood sugar levels over time as it worsens the body’s sensitivity to insulin (3).
Coke Zero is more dangerous if consumed in large quantities frequently, but it is alright in moderation. Some long-term side effects include bloating, heartburn, and weight gain (4).
Diet Coke has 42 mg of caffeine per every 330 ml can, which is over 30% more caffeine than in a similarly-sized Coke Zero or original Coke.
References
- Approved additives and E numbers. (n.d.). Food Standards Agency. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
- American Migraine Foundation. (2017, July 27). Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal with Them. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/
- Butler, N. (2018, September 26). What to know about diet soda and diabetes. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310909
- Picincu, A. (2019, April 26). Coke Zero’s Nutritional Benefits Are Basically Zilch, but It Also Has Some Risks. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.livestrong.com/article/300631-risks-benefits-of-coke-zero/
