Brenda Khan
In 2015, PepsiCo announced that it would be replacing aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi in the US. Aspartame was the number one reason why US consumers were drinking less diet cola, and PepsiCo SVP Seth Kaufman stated that the new formulation was developed after extensive research and testing with US diet cola drinkers. Despite the FDA rejecting calls for an aspartame ban, PepsiCo's decision to replace it with sucralose in its products was likely influenced by consumer demand and the negative health perception of aspartame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for replacing aspartame with sucralose | Aspartame was the #1 reason why US consumers were drinking less diet cola |
| Year of replacement | 2015 |
| Countries where the new formula was used | United States |
| Other ingredients that remained in the formula | Acesulfame potassium (ace K) |
| Other companies that replaced aspartame with sucralose | General Mills in its Yoplait Light yogurts |
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What You'll Learn
PepsiCo's decision to replace aspartame with sucralose
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is made from two amino acids, which can be found in everyday foods such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and milk. However, despite its established safety, aspartame has attracted controversy and negative health perceptions due to its longer presence on the market compared to other sweeteners. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), for example, has campaigned against aspartame, and the public's perception of it has soured over time.
In 2015, PepsiCo announced that it would replace aspartame with sucralose, another artificial sweetener commonly known as Splenda, in its Diet Pepsi drinks. This decision was based on extensive research and testing with US diet cola drinkers, who had been requesting a great-tasting cola without aspartame. Seth Kaufman, PepsiCo SVP, acknowledged that while studies show aspartame is safe, they recognized the evolving consumer demand for alternatives. He stated that the new formulation would provide the refreshing and great cola taste that drinkers expect from Pepsi.
The move by PepsiCo can be understood in the context of declining sales for diet and low-calorie soft drinks in the United States. Data from Euromonitor showed a nearly 20% drop in sales over a five-year period. By addressing consumer concerns about aspartame, PepsiCo aimed to salvage sales and provide customers with the option they were asking for. This decision also set a precedent for other food and beverage companies to reconsider their use of aspartame and respond to similar concerns from consumers.
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The negative perception of aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been in use in the United States since the early 1980s. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, which means that only a tiny amount is needed to sweeten foods and drinks. This is why it is often used in weight-loss diets.
Despite its extensive use and popularity, aspartame has become a source of controversy in recent years, with some research suggesting it has adverse health effects. Aspartame is the number one reason why US consumers say they are drinking less diet cola. A Pepsi executive has commented that "US consumers have been asking for a great-tasting cola without aspartame".
Aspartame has been deemed safe by all major scientific and regulatory bodies, including the FDA, which states that aspartame is safe for the general population when manufacturers follow good practices and approved conditions of use. However, some research suggests potential health risks. For example, a 2021 animal study found that aspartame ingestion in rats led to increases in body weight and fat mass. A 2023 questionnaire study also found a link between aspartame intake and greater body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). However, a 2018 trial found that aspartame did not affect body weight in lean adults over 12 weeks, and a 2024 animal study suggested that long-term consumption of non-nutritious sweeteners, including aspartame, does not cause adverse metabolic effects.
There have also been concerns about the effects of aspartame on the central and peripheral nervous systems. A 2021 review highlights research that suggests long-term use of aspartame may increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. There are also worries about aspartame causing cancer, although the evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. The IARC, the cancer research agency of the WHO, classifies aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on limited evidence, but other assessments have concluded that the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer is not convincing.
Given the inconsistency in the scientific literature and the limited amount of high-quality studies, research is ongoing to explore the potential side effects and health outcomes of aspartame ingestion. Despite aspartame's widely accepted safety record, many scientists are calling for additional research on the long-term effects of its ingestion.
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The history of Diet Pepsi
Diet Pepsi was formulated in the early 1960s, with its sweetness derived from the artificial sweetener saccharin, which was the choice of ingredient for diet soda creators at the time. In 1963, Pepsi conducted a test release of its new product in select markets, becoming the first low-calorie soda produced by a major American company. In 1964, Diet Pepsi was released in the US, becoming America's first national diet soft drink.
In the 1970s, controversy arose as animal studies linked saccharin to bladder cancer, causing a public panic. Although it was later deemed safe for human consumption, the scare damaged consumer confidence in early diet soda sweeteners. As a result, in 1983, Diet Pepsi switched to using aspartame, an artificial sweetener made from two amino acids.
Aspartame, however, soon became controversial in its own right. In 1996, a report by 60 Minutes alleged that aspartame might be linked to brain tumours in humans. This damaged the public perception of aspartame's safety, despite regulatory bodies deeming it safe for consumption.
In 2012, Pepsi announced that it would be changing the sweetener in Diet Pepsi to sucralose, with the new formula launching in January 2013. This was due to consumer demand for a great-tasting cola without aspartame. However, the new formula proved unpopular, and in 2016, Pepsi brought back its aspartame formulation as the "Diet Pepsi Classic Sweetener Blend", which was sold alongside the new formula. Finally, in 2018, Pepsi reverted Diet Pepsi's sweetener back to aspartame.
Over the years, Diet Pepsi has also introduced a range of flavour variations, including wild cherry, vanilla, lemon, and lime. A caffeine-free version is also produced, known as Pepsi Light Caffeine Free in Australia.
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The marketing of Diet Pepsi
Diet Pepsi, a diet carbonated cola soft drink, was introduced in the United States in 1964 as a sugar-free variant of Pepsi. It was initially test-marketed under the name Patio Diet Cola in 1963 and then rebranded as Diet Pepsi the following year. The product was first packaged in glass bottles and cans, and in 1994, it became the first to list a "freshness date" on each package, setting a new standard in the industry. Over the years, the logo and branding of Diet Pepsi have undergone multiple redesigns to stay current and appealing to consumers.
Television advertisements have also played a significant role in the marketing of Diet Pepsi. The first standalone television advertisement for Diet Pepsi, "Girlwatchers," focused on the cosmetic aspects of the beverage, and its musical jingle became a Top 40 hit. Creating a catchy and memorable jingle that resonates with consumers has been a successful strategy for Diet Pepsi's marketing campaigns.
In recent years, Diet Pepsi has responded to changing consumer preferences and concerns about artificial sweeteners. In 2015, PepsiCo announced it would replace aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi sold in the United States, addressing consumer concerns about the negative health perception of aspartame. This move positioned Diet Pepsi as a healthier choice compared to other diet colas, particularly Diet Coke, which continued to use aspartame.
However, by 2020, PepsiCo faced declining sales of Diet Pepsi and a shift in consumer preferences towards natural sweeteners. As a result, they reintroduced aspartame-sweetened Diet Pepsi, providing consumers with more choices. This decision was based on consumer feedback and the recognition that while aspartame has been deemed safe by scientific and regulatory bodies, consumer demand was evolving.
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The ingredients of Diet Pepsi in different countries
The ingredients of Diet Pepsi vary slightly depending on the country. In the United States, the ingredients listed are: carbonated water, caramel colour, aspartame, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate, caffeine, citric acid, natural flavour, acesulfame potassium, and phenylketonurics. Aspartame was introduced in 1983 to replace the initial formulation sweetener, saccharin, due to health concerns. However, aspartame itself has also been a subject of controversy, with critics alleging potential health risks associated with its consumption. In 2015, PepsiCo replaced aspartame with sucralose in the US, citing consumer demand for a great-tasting cola without aspartame.
In Canada, the ingredients are similar, but with some differences in the order and specific amounts: carbonated water, caramel colour, phosphoric acid, aspartame (124 mg/355 ml, contains phenylalanine), sodium benzoate, caffeine, flavour, acesulfame potassium (32 mg/355 ml), citric acid, and dimethylpolysiloxane.
In the United Kingdom, Diet Pepsi is known as Pepsi Diet and has the following ingredients: carbonated water, colour (caramel E150d), flavourings (including caffeine), phosphoric acid, sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), acidity regulator (sodium citrate), preservative (sodium benzoate), citric acid, and contains a source of phenylalanine.
In Australia, the caffeine-free version of Diet Pepsi, known as Pepsi Light Caffeine Free, has a gold label and is available in 1.25-litre bottles. Its ingredients are listed as: carbonated water, caramel colour, phosphoric acid, aspartame, sodium benzoate, acesulfame potassium, flavour (natural), and citric acid.
It is worth noting that the availability and brand identification of Diet Pepsi flavour variants can vary by country, and PepsiCo also produces other low-calorie colas, such as Pepsi Max and Pepsi Zero Sugar, depending on the market.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Pepsi did not stop using sucralose in Diet Pepsi. In 2015, PepsiCo replaced aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi in the US.
Aspartame was the #1 reason why US consumers were drinking less diet cola. PepsiCo SVP Seth Kaufman said, "The new formulation was developed after extensive research and testing with US diet cola drinkers".
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar but has a similar taste profile.
Sucralose is used in other food and beverage products, including General Mills' Yoplait Light yogurts.
