
Pepsi Zero Sugar, formerly known as Diet Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max, is a zero-calorie, sugar-free cola drink. It was originally infused with ginseng and contained almost twice the caffeine of Pepsi's other cola beverages. In 2022, Pepsi Zero Sugar contained 69 milligrams of caffeine per 355ml, while Diet Pepsi contained 36 milligrams. However, in 2023, PepsiCo reduced the caffeine content in Pepsi Zero Sugar and removed ginseng from the formula. The change in formula has sparked mixed reactions among consumers, with some expressing disappointment over the reduction in caffeine and others comparing the new taste to Diet Pepsi. The topic of interest is whether Cherry Pepsi Zero has a higher caffeine content than Diet Pepsi, and this discussion revolves around the changing formulations and consumer preferences for these cola beverages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | Pepsi Zero Sugar contains 38 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz can. This equates to 3.17 mg of caffeine for every fl oz and 10.71 mg for every 100 ml. In 2022, it contained 69 mg of caffeine per 355 ml. Diet Pepsi contains 36 mg of caffeine per 355 ml. Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry contains slightly more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi. |
| Calories | Pepsi Zero Sugar is a zero-calorie drink. Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry is also a zero-calorie drink. |
| Sweeteners | Pepsi Zero Sugar is sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame K (Ace-K). Diet Pepsi is also sweetened with aspartame and Ace-K. |
| Taste | Some people prefer the taste of Diet Pepsi over Pepsi Zero Sugar due to the reduction of caffeine in the latter. |
| Packaging | Diet Pepsi comes in a silver can, while Pepsi Zero Sugar comes in a black can. |
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What You'll Learn

Pepsi Zero Sugar's caffeine content was reduced in 2022/2023
Pepsi Zero Sugar, formerly known as Pepsi Max, is a zero-calorie, sugar-free soft drink. It was originally sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame K and infused with ginseng. Notably, it contained nearly twice the caffeine of Pepsi's other cola beverages, with 69 milligrams of caffeine per 355 mL (12.5 imp fl oz) before a recipe change.
In late 2022, PepsiCo reduced the caffeine content in Pepsi Zero Sugar as part of a broader reformulation. The new recipe, introduced in the United States, removed ginseng, tweaked the sweetener system, and significantly lowered the caffeine levels. This change brought the caffeine content closer to that of regular Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, which contain 36 milligrams of caffeine per 355 mL.
The reduction in caffeine content in Pepsi Zero Sugar was further emphasized by consumers who noticed the change in late 2022. Many expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision, as the higher caffeine content was a unique selling point for the product. Some even threatened to switch to competing products or return to their previous preference of Diet Pepsi.
In January 2023, PepsiCo again reformulated Pepsi Zero Sugar in the United States, this time with a focus on reducing caffeine levels even further. This second reduction in caffeine content within a short period aligns with the broader trend of PepsiCo's efforts to standardize and adjust the caffeine levels in their cola beverages.
While the exact caffeine content after the 2023 reformulation is not readily available, it is clear that PepsiCo has taken steps to decrease the caffeine levels in Pepsi Zero Sugar, bringing it closer in line with their other cola offerings.
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Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry has more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi
Pepsi Zero Sugar, formerly known as Diet Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max, is a zero-calorie, sugar-free drink. It was originally infused with ginseng and contained almost double the caffeine of Pepsi's other colas, with 69 mg of caffeine per 355 ml. However, in late 2022, the formula was changed to reduce the caffeine content to 38 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz, which is half the original amount. This change has been met with disappointment from some consumers who enjoyed the higher caffeine content.
On the other hand, Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry is also a zero-calorie soft drink produced by PepsiCo, but it contains slightly more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi. It is artificially sweetened with aspartame and ace-k, similar to regular Diet Pepsi. While the exact amount of caffeine in Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry is not readily available, it is known to have a higher caffeine content than the standard Diet Pepsi.
The difference in caffeine content between Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry and Pepsi Zero Sugar is worth noting. After the formula change in 2022, Pepsi Zero Sugar's caffeine level dropped to match that of regular Diet Pepsi. In contrast, Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry maintains its slightly higher caffeine content, setting it apart from both regular Diet Pepsi and the newer formulation of Pepsi Zero Sugar.
It is interesting to see how PepsiCo has positioned its various products in the market. With Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry having more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi, it offers consumers who prefer Diet Pepsi an option with a bit of an extra kick. Meanwhile, the reduction in caffeine in Pepsi Zero Sugar may be a strategic move to differentiate it from other Pepsi products and attract consumers looking for a middle ground between the higher caffeine content of Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry and the lower caffeine content of regular Diet Pepsi.
In conclusion, while the exact numbers are not available, it can be confirmed that Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry does indeed have more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi. This variation in caffeine content allows PepsiCo to cater to diverse consumer preferences and provide options for those seeking a caffeine boost in their soft drinks.
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Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi have different ingredients
Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi are both zero-calorie soft drinks with similar ingredients. However, they do have some differences in their formulations, which affect their taste and caffeine content.
Pepsi Zero Sugar, formerly known as Pepsi Max in some regions, contains sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K (Ace-K), while Diet Pepsi is sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The order of ingredients also differs between the two drinks, with aspartame listed third in Diet Pepsi and fourth in Pepsi Zero Sugar. Additionally, Pepsi Zero Sugar contains calcium disodium EDTA, a food additive for preserving flavor, color, and texture, which is not present in Diet Pepsi.
In terms of caffeine content, Pepsi Zero Sugar used to have significantly more caffeine than Diet Pepsi, with 69 mg per 355 ml compared to 36 mg in Diet Pepsi. However, in 2023, the formula for Pepsi Zero Sugar was changed to reduce the caffeine content, bringing it closer to that of Diet Pepsi. This change in formula also affected the taste of Pepsi Zero Sugar, with some consumers noting that it now tastes similar to Diet Pepsi.
The availability of these drinks may also vary by region. For example, in Canada, Pepsi Zero Sugar still has a higher caffeine content than in the US, with 69 mg per 355 ml.
While both drinks have their similarities and differences in ingredients, the choice between Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi often comes down to individual taste preferences. Some consumers may prefer one over the other due to factors such as sweetness, aftertaste, or the presence of specific ingredients.
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Pepsi Zero Sugar was originally called Diet Pepsi Max
Pepsi Zero Sugar, the zero-calorie, sugar-free cola drink, was originally called Diet Pepsi Max when it was introduced in the United States on June 1, 2007, and in Canada in March 2008. The drink was designed to taste more like regular Pepsi than Diet Pepsi, using the sweeteners aspartame and Ace-K. The "Diet" prefix was dropped from the name in early 2009, and the drink was then simply called Pepsi Max.
In July 2010, Pepsi began to change its North American branding of Pepsi Max to match its global branding. In June 2015, PepsiCo announced that Pepsi Max would be renamed Pepsi Zero Sugar in North America, while the international drink would retain the Pepsi Max name. This was done to standardise the brand's zero-sugar positioning and bring it in line with the global identity of Pepsi Black, which was already being used in several other markets.
The Pepsi Zero Sugar formula originally contained nearly twice the caffeine of Pepsi's other cola beverages, including Diet Pepsi. Before a recipe change in 2022, Pepsi Zero Sugar contained 69 milligrams of caffeine per 355 mL, compared to 36 milligrams in Diet Pepsi. However, in 2023, the formula was changed again to reduce the caffeine content, remove ginseng, and tweak the sweetener system. The caffeine content was cut in half, leading to some negative reactions from consumers who preferred the higher caffeine version.
Cherry Pepsi Zero is a variation of the drink that also contains zero sugar and calories. It is sweetened with aspartame and ace-k and has slightly more caffeine than regular Diet Pepsi. However, it is important to note that the caffeine content of Cherry Pepsi Zero may differ from that of Pepsi Zero Sugar, as the exact caffeine levels for Cherry Pepsi Zero do not appear to be readily available.
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Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar have distinct tastes
Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi are two different beverages with distinct tastes. Both drinks are zero-calorie, sugar-free cola options from PepsiCo, but they differ in their ingredients, resulting in a difference in flavour.
Diet Pepsi contains the sweetener acesulfame potassium, which is not present in Pepsi Zero Sugar. On the other hand, Pepsi Zero Sugar contains calcium disodium EDTA, a food additive that preserves flavour, colour, and texture, while Diet Pepsi does not. The order of ingredients also varies between the two drinks, with aspartame listed as the third ingredient in Diet Pepsi and the fourth in Pepsi Zero Sugar.
The difference in ingredients and their order of listing results in a noticeable difference in taste for those who regularly consume these beverages. Some people prefer the taste of Pepsi Zero Sugar, describing it as smoother, richer, and more thirst-quenching. Others, however, may find Diet Pepsi more appealing.
Historically, the two drinks have also had differences in their caffeine content. Before a recipe change in late 2022, Pepsi Zero Sugar contained nearly twice the caffeine of Diet Pepsi, with 69 milligrams of caffeine per 355 mL, compared to 36 milligrams in Diet Pepsi. However, in 2023, the formula for Pepsi Zero Sugar was altered to reduce the caffeine content, bringing it closer to that of Diet Pepsi.
In conclusion, while both Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar are zero-calorie, sugar-free cola options, they differ in their ingredients, resulting in distinct tastes that cater to different consumer preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Pepsi Zero Sugar contains 38 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz can. This equates to 3.17 mg of caffeine per fl oz and 10.71 mg for every 100 ml. Diet Pepsi contains 36 mg of caffeine per 355 ml. Therefore, Pepsi Zero Sugar has a slightly higher caffeine content. However, it is important to note that the formula for Pepsi Zero Sugar was changed in 2023 to reduce its caffeine content.
Both Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar are zero-calorie, sugar-free drinks. Diet Pepsi is artificially sweetened with aspartame and ace-k, while Pepsi Zero Sugar is sweetened with acesulfame potassium and other artificial sweeteners. Diet Pepsi also contains the sweetener acesulfame potassium, which is not present in Pepsi Zero Sugar.
Flavoured varieties of Pepsi Zero Sugar, such as Wild Cherry, have the same caffeine content as the original Pepsi Zero Sugar. Therefore, the cherry flavour does not affect the caffeine content.











































