Brenda Khan
Diet pop, also known as diet soda or zero sugar soft drink, is usually calorie-free. However, not all sodas that use artificial sweeteners are low in calories or sugar-free. Some use sugar and sweetener together. For example, one can of Coca-Cola Life, which contains the natural sweetener stevia, contains 90 calories and 24 grams of sugar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Diet pop is usually calorie-free |
| Sugar | Diet pop contains no sugar |
| Fat | Diet pop contains no fat |
| Protein | Diet pop contains no protein |
| Sodium | Diet pop contains sodium |
| Phosphorus | Diet pop contains phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid |
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What You'll Learn
Diet pop is usually calorie-free
Diet pop is made with most of the same ingredients as regular soda, but instead of using sugar, corn syrup, or other caloric sweeteners, it relies on low- or no-calorie sugar substitutes such as aspartame and sucralose. For example, one 12-ounce (354-mL) can of Diet Coke contains no calories, sugar, fat, or protein and only 40 mg of sodium.
However, it's important to note that not all diet sodas are created equal. Some brands may use a combination of sugar and artificial sweeteners, resulting in a drink that is not calorie-free. For example, one can of Coca-Cola Life, which contains the natural sweetener stevia, has 90 calories and 24 grams of sugar.
Additionally, while diet pop is void of calories and sugar, certain varieties can contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. This mineral can play a positive role in bone health when consumed with adequate amounts of calcium. However, excessive phosphorus intake (which can occur from drinking too much soda) can negatively affect the calcium-phosphorus ratio in the body.
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Diet pop uses artificial sweeteners
Diet pop, also known as zero-sugar soft drinks, uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, corn syrup or other caloric sweeteners. These include aspartame and sucralose. Diet pop is usually calorie-free, but not all sodas that use artificial sweeteners are low in calories or sugar-free. Some use sugar and sweetener together. For example, one can of Coca-Cola Life, which contains the natural sweetener stevia, contains 90 calories and 24 grams of sugar.
Several observational studies have found that using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet pop is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Scientists have suggested that diet pop may increase appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, altering sweet taste receptors, and triggering dopamine responses in the brain. Given that diet pop has no calories, these responses may cause a higher intake of sweet or calorie-dense foods, resulting in weight gain. However, there is evidence of bias in the scientific literature, with studies funded by the artificial sweetener industry having more favourable outcomes than non-industry studies. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to determine the true effects of diet pop on weight loss.
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Diet pop may increase appetite
Diet pop, also known as zero-sugar soft drinks, are made with most of the same ingredients as regular soda but use low- or no-calorie sugar substitutes such as aspartame and sucralose. Diet pop usually has very few to no calories and no significant nutrition. For example, one 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains no calories, sugar, fat, or protein.
However, research suggests that the association between diet pop and weight loss may not be straightforward. Several observational studies have found that using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet pop is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
One theory is that diet pop may increase appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, altering sweet taste receptors, and triggering dopamine responses in the brain. Given that diet pop has no calories, these responses may cause a higher intake of sweet or calorie-dense foods, resulting in weight gain.
It's important to note that there is some evidence of bias in the scientific literature, with studies funded by the artificial sweetener industry having more favourable outcomes than non-industry studies. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to determine the true effects of diet pop on weight loss.
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Diet pop may negatively affect bone health
Diet pop is usually calorie-free, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you. Diet pop may negatively affect bone health.
While diet pop is void of calories and sugar, certain varieties can contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. This mineral can play a positive role in bone health, assuming that another key bone-health-supporting nutrient, calcium, is consumed in adequate amounts. However, consuming copious amounts of phosphorus (which can happen if you overdo it on the soda) can negatively affect the calcium/phosphorus ratio.
Observational studies have found that using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet pop is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Scientists have suggested that diet pop may increase appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, altering sweet taste receptors, and triggering dopamine responses in the brain. Given that diet pop has no calories, these responses may cause a higher intake of sweet or calorie-dense foods, resulting in weight gain.
It's also worth noting that there is evidence of bias in the scientific literature. Studies funded by the artificial sweetener industry have been found to have more favourable outcomes than non-industry studies, which may undermine the validity of their results. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to determine the true effects of diet pop on weight loss and bone health.
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Diet pop has been linked to type 2 diabetes
Diet pop, or diet soda, is usually calorie-free. However, it is not necessarily a healthy option. Diet pop is made with the same ingredients as regular soda, but instead of using sugar, corn syrup or another caloric sweetener, it uses low- or no-calorie sugar substitutes, such as aspartame or sucralose.
Although diet pop has no calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in several studies. Observational studies have also linked diet pop with obesity. However, it is not clear whether diet pop is a cause of this. Experimental studies have shown positive effects on weight loss, but these might be influenced by industry funding.
It is thought that drinking diet pop may increase appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, altering sweet taste receptors, and triggering dopamine responses in the brain. This could cause a higher intake of sweet or calorie-dense foods, resulting in weight gain.
Some varieties of diet pop can also contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. Consuming large amounts of phosphorus (which can happen if you drink too much soda) can negatively affect the calcium/phosphorus ratio. However, phosphorus can play a positive role in bone health, as long as another key bone-health-supporting nutrient, calcium, is consumed in adequate amounts.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pop is usually calorie-free, but not always. Some brands use sugar and sweetener together, so they are not low in calories.
Diet pop contains most of the same ingredients as regular pop, but instead of using sugar or corn syrup, it uses low- or no-calorie sugar substitutes, such as aspartame or sucralose.
Although diet pop is calorie-free, it has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This may be because it increases appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, altering sweet taste receptors, and triggering dopamine responses in the brain.
