Milly Gaines
PepsiCo's Diet Pepsi is a diet carbonated cola soft drink that was introduced in 1964 as a sugar-free variant of Pepsi. In 2015, PepsiCo replaced aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi in the US, citing consumer demand for a great-tasting cola without aspartame. This change sparked mixed reactions, with some consumers expressing their distaste for the new formula. In 2016, Pepsi revived its aspartame formulation as Diet Pepsi Classic Sweetener Blend and sold it alongside the sucralose version. Finally, in 2018, PepsiCo reverted Diet Pepsi's sweetener from sucralose back to aspartame. So, as of 2018, Diet Pepsi with sucralose is no longer available, and the current formulation uses aspartame as the sweetener.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Change | 2015 |
| New Sweetener | Sucralose |
| Old Sweetener | Aspartame |
| New Flavors | Wild Cherry, Caffeine-Free, Regular |
| New Formula | Lighter Carbonation |
| Logo | Series of "smiles" |
| Logo Colors | Blue and Red |
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What You'll Learn
Diet Pepsi's sweetener change in 2013
Diet Pepsi has undergone several sweetener changes since its introduction in 1964. Initially, the drink was sweetened with the artificial sweetener saccharin. However, concerns surrounding saccharin emerged in the 1970s, leading to a shift to a different sweetener, aspartame, in 1983.
In December 2012, it was reported that Diet Pepsi would change its sweetener to sucralose, ahead of a major rebranding of the soft drink set for January 2013. This change was likely made to address the issue of aspartame's sensitivity to heat, which caused it to break down more easily, potentially affecting the taste of the beverage over time.
The switch from aspartame to sucralose in 2013 was not explicitly communicated in the drink's advertising, and Diet Pepsi began to list acesulfame potassium as an additional ingredient in certain regions. Acesulfame potassium was included to ensure consistency in the taste of the beverage.
In 2015, some consumers expressed their dislike of the new formula, prompting Pepsi to reintroduce aspartame-sweetened Diet Pepsi in the US in September 2016, which was sold alongside the sucralose version. Finally, in 2018, Pepsi announced a market-wide reversion to aspartame, marking the end of the sucralose formulation.
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Aspartame-free Diet Pepsi
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier and more natural food and beverage options, with many consumers expressing a preference for products free from artificial sweeteners, flavours, and preservatives. In response to this shift in consumer preferences, PepsiCo made the decision to remove aspartame from its diet beverage offerings.
The decision to remove aspartame was not without controversy. Some consumers expressed concern that the new formula did not taste the same as the original Diet Pepsi, with some even petitioning for the return of the original formula. However, PepsiCo stood by its decision, citing consumer feedback and the desire to offer a more natural product.
Today, Aspartame-Free Diet Pepsi, or Diet Pepsi with sucralose, remains widely available in various markets. While the specific formula may vary slightly by region, the commitment to providing a diet beverage option free from aspartame is still prevalent. This commitment aligns with PepsiCo's broader efforts to respond to changing consumer preferences, offering more natural and healthier products, and maintaining a focus on innovation to meet evolving customer needs.
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Sucralose: a blend of sweeteners
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar but has a similar taste profile. It is also known as Splenda and is often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. In 2015, PepsiCo announced that it would replace aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi in the United States. This decision was made after extensive research and testing with US diet cola drinkers, as many consumers were asking for a great-tasting cola without aspartame.
The new formula, which was released in August 2015, was marketed as ""Aspartame Free" and provided consumers with "the crisp, refreshing zero-calorie cola taste they expect". The switch to sucralose positioned Diet Pepsi as a unique option compared to other diet colas, such as Diet Coke, which still contained aspartame. This gave consumers a meaningful choice between the two brands.
The taste of the new Diet Pepsi with sucralose was described as gentler and less aggressive, with lighter carbonation. The caffeine-free version was found to be sweeter, bolder, and more reminiscent of the original Pepsi flavour. The wild cherry flavour, in particular, benefited from the milder sweetness of sucralose, which complemented the subtle cherry flavour without becoming cloying.
However, some people expressed their distaste for the new formula, and in response, Pepsi revived its aspartame formulation as "Diet Pepsi Classic Sweetener Blend" in the US markets in September 2016. This was sold alongside the new sucralose formula. Eventually, PepsiCo announced plans to revert to using aspartame as the sweetener in Diet Pepsi, and the new formulation was released market-wide on February 25, 2018.
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The taste of Diet Pepsi with sucralose
In 2015, PepsiCo replaced aspartame with sucralose in Diet Pepsi in the US. This move was made after extensive research and testing with US diet cola drinkers, who had expressed a preference for a great-tasting cola without aspartame. Aspartame has attracted negative health perceptions, and consumers had been moving away from diet sodas towards products with real sugar.
The new Diet Pepsi with sucralose has a gentler and less aggressive flavour. The carbonation also feels lighter, making it a good option for those who are usually put off by soda. The caffeine-free version is sweeter and bolder, with a more Pepsi-like flavour. The wild cherry flavour was also a favourite, with the milder sweetness of the sucralose complementing the cherry flavour.
However, not all reviews of the new formula were positive. Some people on Facebook and Twitter expressed their distaste for the new formula in 2015, leading Pepsi to revive its aspartame formulation as "Diet Pepsi Classic Sweetener Blend" in 2016. In 2018, PepsiCo reverted Diet Pepsi's sweetener from sucralose to aspartame.
While sucralose is an artificial sweetener, it is closer to sugar in origin than aspartame. It is also known as Splenda and is 200 times sweeter than sugar, although it has a similar taste profile.
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Diet Pepsi's competition
In terms of market share, as of 2010, Diet Pepsi held a 5.3% share of carbonated soft drink sales in the United States, ranking 7th, while Diet Coke had a higher market share of 9.9%. This indicates that Diet Pepsi faces strong competition from Diet Coke, with consumers often choosing between these two options.
To stay competitive, Diet Pepsi has undergone various formula changes and introduced different flavours, such as wild cherry, vanilla, lemon, and lime. Additionally, PepsiCo produces other low-calorie colas, including Pepsi Max and Pepsi Zero Sugar, which also compete within the soft drink market.
While Diet Pepsi has a loyal customer base, it faces challenges from competitors, particularly Diet Coke, in the battle for market dominance. The competition between these two diet cola giants has resulted in a dynamic soft drink market, with consumers having a range of options to choose from.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Sucralose was replaced with another non-nutritive sweetener, aspartame, in 2013.
The reformulation was done to provide a "more refreshing" taste and to standardize the Diet Pepsi formula across the world.
Aspartame, which is also used in other diet drinks, is the current sweetener. Sucralose has not been used in Diet Pepsi since 2013.
