Dante Carrillo
PepsiCo has made changes to the sweetener in Diet Pepsi, which was first introduced in 1964 as a sugar-free variant of Pepsi. The company has replaced the sole use of aspartame with a mix of two artificial sweeteners, including acesulfame potassium, commonly found in newer diet sodas. This change in sweetener is intended to improve the drink's taste and sales, as Diet Pepsi has lost market share to Coca-Cola Co. in recent years. While some consumers have noticed a difference in taste, PepsiCo maintains that the change in sweetener does not alter the flavor of the drink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 1964 |
| Packaging | Glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles, soda fountains |
| Logo | Changed multiple times |
| Ingredients | Carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, aspartame, sodium benzoate, acesulfame potassium, natural flavor, citric acid, caffeine |
| Sweeteners | Aspartame, acesulfame potassium |
| Calories | Zero calories |
| Competition | Coca-Cola's Tab (discontinued), Diet Coke |
| Market Share | 4.9% of the market for carbonated soft drinks in North America |
| Rebranding | New logo, major rebranding of the soft drink |
| Taste | Some consumers report a change in taste |
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What You'll Learn
Diet Pepsi's sweetener change
Diet Pepsi has changed its sweetener more than once since its launch in 1964. The drink was originally sweetened with saccharin, an artificial sweetener. However, in the 1970s, concerns emerged about the safety of saccharin, prompting PepsiCo to switch to a new sweetener, aspartame, in 1983.
Aspartame has been deemed safe for human consumption by regulatory agencies in several countries, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the UK Food Standards Agency, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Despite this, aspartame has been the subject of some controversy, with a 1996 report by 60 Minutes alleging a possible link between the sweetener and the development of brain tumours.
In an effort to reinvigorate the brand after losing market share to Coca-Cola, PepsiCo quietly changed the sweetener in Diet Pepsi once again ahead of a major rebranding in 2016. Cans of Diet Pepsi now list two artificial sweeteners: aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This change was made to improve the drink's taste and freshness, as aspartame breaks down more easily and can be sensitive to heat.
The new formula, which includes a “very small amount” of acesulfame potassium, is intended to keep the drink's sweetening power at a constant level, ensuring that each sip tastes the same. While PepsiCo declined to comment on the change initially, they eventually confirmed the addition of acesulfame potassium, stating that it would help maintain consistency in the product's taste.
Some consumers have noticed the change in Diet Pepsi's formula, reporting that the drink tastes "off" or "terrible" and that it lacks carbonation. However, PepsiCo has denied altering the recipe, instead sending coupons to customers who have complained about the taste.
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Aspartame controversy
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in a variety of food and beverage products since the 1980s. It was first approved for use in dry foods in 1974 and as a general-purpose sweetener in 1996. Aspartame is also known as a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide.
The controversy surrounding aspartame stems from concerns about its safety and the approval process that allowed its use in food products. In 1996, a 60 Minutes report discussed criticisms of the FDA approval process and raised concerns about potential links between aspartame and brain tumours in humans. This report brought the controversy to a wider audience and sparked further investigations.
The controversy was fuelled by the actions of Samuel Skinner, who took a job with a law firm retained by Searle (the company that produced aspartame) during an investigation, and Arthur Hull Hayes, who took a job with Searle's public relations agency following the approval of aspartame. These actions led to conspiracy theories and calls for an investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO reported that protocol had been followed, but a survey of scientists who conducted safety reviews showed a range of concerns about aspartame's safety.
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) conducted independent reviews of aspartame. IARC classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) due to limited evidence of carcinogenicity, specifically for certain liver cancers. However, JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight, stating that aspartame is safe for consumption within this limit.
Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.K. Food Standards Agency consider aspartame safe for human consumption. The FDA describes aspartame as "one of the most thoroughly tested and studied food additives" and emphasises its safety. The weight of existing scientific evidence generally indicates that aspartame is safe, except for those with phenylketonuria.
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Competition with Coca-Cola
The rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola has been in existence since the late 1800s when the two brands were started in Georgia and North Carolina, respectively. This rivalry has been dubbed the "Cola Wars", with Pepsi and Coke representing much more than just a beverage in this ultimate competition.
Coca-Cola has been the market leader for decades, and it remains the most valuable soft drink brand worldwide. However, PepsiCo has been trying to close the gap. In 2024, Coca-Cola saw a 17% increase in sales, while PepsiCo's sales decreased by 7%. As of March 18, 2025, Coca-Cola had a market cap of $298.58 billion, compared to PepsiCo's $205.32 billion. Despite this, some analysts believe that Pepsi has a chance to surpass Coca-Cola, not by selling more soda, but by leveraging its broad lineup of snack brands like Doritos, Cheetos, and Lay's Potato Chips.
In the battle for the top spot, both companies have had to adapt to changing consumer preferences. People are moving away from sugary drinks and are seeking healthier alternatives and energy drinks. Coca-Cola has responded by introducing brands like Simply juices, smartwater, Dasani, and vitaminwater. Similarly, PepsiCo has tried to reinvigorate its namesake brands, which have lost market share to Coca-Cola in recent years. For example, in 2012, Diet Pepsi changed its sweetener to sucralose, and in 2016, it revived its aspartame formulation as "Diet Pepsi Classic Sweetener Blend". This move by PepsiCo mirrored Coca-Cola's decision to change the sweetener in Diet Sprite in 2000.
The competition between the two cola giants has also played out in their diet soda offerings. Diet Pepsi was introduced in 1964 as a no-sugar variant of Pepsi, competing primarily with Coca-Cola's Tab. However, in 1982, Coca-Cola launched Diet Coke, which has since been the main rival to Diet Pepsi. As of 2010, Diet Coke had a 9.6% market share, compared to Diet Pepsi's 5.3%.
Interestingly, blind taste tests have shown that people tend to prefer the taste of Diet Pepsi over Diet Coke, even though they express a general preference for Coke products. This phenomenon has been termed the "Pepsi Paradox".
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Rebranding and logo changes
Diet Pepsi, currently stylised as PEPSI DIET, was introduced in 1964 as a sugar-free variant of Pepsi. It was first test-marketed in 1963 under the name Patio Diet Cola and was rebranded as Diet Pepsi the following year. The logo and packaging of Diet Pepsi have changed multiple times since its launch.
In 1964, Diet Pepsi was packaged in glass bottles and was also available in cans. Over the years, the brand has undergone several logo changes, with the current version featuring the words "Pepsi Diet" in bold, capital letters. The logo is often accompanied by the brand's signature colours of red, white, and blue.
In recent years, PepsiCo has made efforts to reinvigorate the Diet Pepsi brand, which has lost market share to competitors like Coca-Cola. This has included a change in sweetener, moving from solely using aspartame to a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This change was implemented to improve the drink's taste and increase sales, with the company stating that the addition of a ""very small amount" of acesulfame potassium was "to ensure consistency with every sip."
The change in sweetener was done quietly, with PepsiCo initially declining to confirm the alteration. This was likely a strategic move to avoid any potential negative backlash from loyal customers. However, some consumers noticed the difference in taste and expressed their dissatisfaction online, with some describing the new taste as "off" and "terrible."
Despite the mixed reactions to the change in sweetener, PepsiCo has continued to push forward with its rebranding efforts for Diet Pepsi. The company has recognised the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends, especially with the overall decline in soft drink consumption since 1998. While the latest sales figures for Diet Pepsi are not yet available, the brand remains one of PepsiCo's biggest moneymakers, generating approximately $5 billion in annual revenue.
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Varieties of Pepsi
PepsiCo has introduced a variety of Pepsi flavours over the years, including several limited editions and regional varieties.
Diet Pepsi
Diet Pepsi was introduced in 1964 as a sugar-free variant of Pepsi. It was the first diet cola to be distributed on a national scale in the United States. Diet Pepsi was originally sweetened with saccharin, but concerns over the sweetener prompted a shift to aspartame in 1983. In recent years, Diet Pepsi has replaced aspartame with a mix of two artificial sweeteners, a pairing commonly found in newer diet sodas.
Pepsi Max and Pepsi Zero Sugar
PepsiCo also produces the low-calorie colas Pepsi Max and Pepsi Zero Sugar, depending on the country.
Pepsi Flavour Variants
Pepsi has experimented with various flavours, including lemon, lime, and vanilla. In 2021, Pepsi added Pepsi Mango and Pepsi Mango Zero Sugar to its roster of permanent products. Other notable varieties include Pepsi Blue Chilled Cola, Pepsi Ice Mint, Pepsi Fire, Pepsi Green, and Pepsi Creaming Soda. Pepsi has also released regional flavours, such as pineapple and lemon-flavoured Pepsi in Japan, and ice cream-flavoured Pepsi in Russia.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Diet Pepsi has changed its flavouring. In 1983, the company changed its artificial sweetener from saccharin to aspartame. In 2023, Diet Pepsi changed its sweetener again, this time adding acesulfame potassium to the aspartame.
The company added a "very small amount" of acesulfame potassium to "ensure consistency with every sip". The change was also made to reinvigorate the brand after losing market share to Coca-Cola Co. in recent years.
Diet Pepsi was rebranded in 1964 from Patio Diet Cola to Diet Pepsi, becoming the first nationally distributed diet cola in the United States. The company has also changed its packaging from glass bottles to plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles. The logo has also changed multiple times.
