Diet Pepsi With Splenda: When Will It Return?

when will diet pepsi with splenda be available

PepsiCo announced in May 2020 that it would be replacing the artificial sweetener aspartame in Diet Pepsi with Splenda, a nonnutritive sweetener. This change was made to help consumers reduce their sugar intake and save on calories. The new Diet Pepsi with Splenda was made available in August of that year.

Characteristics Values
Availability Currently, Diet Pepsi with Splenda is out of stock at Walmart.
Sweetener Sucralose (Splenda)
Calories 0 grams of sugar
Flavors Wild Cherry, Caffeine-Free, and Regular
Price $13.239

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Diet Pepsi with Splenda is available at Walmart

Diet Pepsi with Splenda: Available at Walmart

Walmart stocks Diet Pepsi with Splenda in 12 Fl Oz, 12 Ct packs. This product is currently out of stock, but you can add it to your list or registry to be notified when it becomes available again.

In May 2020, PepsiCo announced that Diet Pepsi would no longer be made with the artificial sweetener aspartame, and would instead be sweetened with Splenda (sucralose). This change was made in response to consumer demand for an aspartame-free option, and the new formula was expected to be available on store shelves beginning in August of that year.

The switch to Splenda was seen as a positive step for PepsiCo and sugar-free soda fans, as sucralose has been deemed safer than aspartame by consumers and scientists. However, some customers have expressed their preference for the aspartame-sweetened version of Diet Pepsi, as seen in reviews on the Walmart website.

If you are specifically looking for Diet Pepsi with Splenda at Walmart, be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing, as the product formulation may change over time.

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PepsiCo's switch to Splenda

In 2005, PepsiCo announced that it would be joining the low-calorie Splenda revolution by using Splenda sucralose in its reformulated Pepsi One cola. This move was intended to create a full-flavour cola with only one calorie, addressing the needs of consumers who sought to limit their calorie intake without compromising on taste. PepsiCo planned an extensive marketing campaign for the new product, including new products and specialised in-store merchandising.

The switch to Splenda was a significant decision for PepsiCo, as it marked a shift in the company's strategy to focus on diet soft drinks. This decision was influenced by the slowing sales of its trademark fizzy cola drinks in 2004 and the success of rival Coca-Cola's new version of Diet Coke using Splenda. By embracing Splenda, PepsiCo hoped to appeal to health-conscious consumers who were increasingly turning away from carbonated drinks.

The new Splenda-sweetened Pepsi One was set to be launched in the US in March 2005, with plans for national distribution by the end of April. The product was to be available in various package sizes, including single-serve 20oz bottles, 2-litre bottles, and 12-packs and 24-packs of 12-ounce cans. PepsiCo also introduced its Smart Spot symbol in Canada, helping consumers identify brands that contribute to healthier lifestyles.

While the switch to Splenda was generally well-received, it is worth noting that there were some concerns and opposition to Splenda's advertising campaign. The US Organic Consumers Association and sugar association criticised Splenda's ads for allegedly misleading consumers by connecting the sweetener to natural sugar. However, on the whole, the switch to Splenda was seen as a positive step forward for PepsiCo, especially in the context of evolving consumer preferences and health trends.

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Aspartame vs Splenda

Aspartame and sucralose (Splenda) are common artificial sweeteners with significant differences. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It was first approved for use by the FDA in 1974 or 1981, depending on the source, and is sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal. Aspartame comprises two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame-based sweeteners usually contain fillers like maltodextrin and dextrose that mellow their intense sweetness, though the amount of calories added is insignificant. Aspartame is not heat stable and loses its flavour when exposed to high temperatures.

Sucralose, on the other hand, is widely sold under the brand name Splenda. It is derived from common table sugar (sucrose) composed of glucose and fructose. To make sucralose, sugar undergoes a chemical process in which three pairs of hydrogen-oxygen atoms are replaced with chlorine atoms. Sucralose does not contain aspartame, though it has some fillers also found in aspartame-based products. Sucralose is incredibly sweet—about 600 times sweeter than sugar—and is often mixed with bulking agents like maltodextrin or dextrose. It is also stable at high temperatures, making it a better substitute for baking.

Both aspartame and sucralose have been the subject of health and safety concerns. Some studies have linked the use of these artificial sweeteners to adverse health effects, such as an altered gut microbiome and metabolism. However, studies in the US and the UK have found that sweeteners like Splenda do not cause cancer, as was once a concern. The FDA has conducted extensive testing to ensure that Splenda does not have any neurological, carcinogenic, or reproductive effects. While generally considered safe for consumption, it is recommended that consumers vary the artificial sweeteners they use and read the labels of products to make informed choices.

In 2020, PepsiCo announced that it would no longer use aspartame in Diet Pepsi, replacing it with sucralose (Splenda). This change was made in response to consumer demand for an aspartame-free option, giving consumers a choice between Diet Coke, which contains aspartame, and Diet Pepsi, which contains sucralose.

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Health benefits of Splenda

In 2020, PepsiCo announced that it would stop using the artificial sweetener aspartame in Diet Pepsi, with new aspartame-free versions of Diet Pepsi set to hit the shelves in August of that year. This change meant that consumers choosing between Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi would effectively be choosing between aspartame and sucralose (Splenda).

Now, onto the health benefits of Splenda. Sucralose (Splenda) is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is made from sugar that has undergone a multistep chemical process in which three hydroxyl groups are replaced with chlorine atoms. This process makes it taste much sweeter than sugar, with almost no calories.

As excessive amounts of added sugar can negatively impact your metabolism and overall health, many people turn to artificial sweeteners like Splenda. While some studies have linked artificial sweeteners to health problems, the FDA and other international organizations consider sucralose to be safe for consumption. Most studies show that sucralose has little to no effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, and one study found that consuming 20% of the acceptable daily intake for sucralose per day had no effect on the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Another study showed that consuming high doses of sucralose for 7 days did not alter the gut microbiome. However, some studies have found conflicting results, with a few noting that sucralose could reduce insulin sensitivity and increase blood sugar and insulin levels.

While animal studies have shown that sucralose can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to problems like obesity and diabetes over time, these effects have not been studied in humans. Additionally, studies in the US and the UK have found that Splenda does not cause cancer, and the FDA has conducted extensive testing to ensure that it does not have any neurological, carcinogenic, or reproductive effects.

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Other Splenda drinks

In May 2022, Diet Pepsi with Splenda was available to buy in 12 fl oz cans. However, it is unclear if this is still the case, as one source from May 2020 suggests that Diet Pepsi would no longer contain the artificial sweetener aspartame and would instead be sweetened with Splenda (sucralose).

PepsiCo, the company that owns Pepsi, also owns a range of other drink brands that use Splenda. These include:

  • Aquafina flavoured waters
  • Brisk teas and fruit-blend drinks
  • Caffeine-free and regular Diet Mountain Dew
  • Lipton teas
  • Gatorade G2 and Zero products
  • Propel
  • Pure Leaf diet iced teas

In addition, Splenda can be used in cocktails as a zero-calorie sweetener and sugar substitute. For example, it can be used to make an Old Fashioned.

Frequently asked questions

Diet Pepsi with Splenda was available in Walmart stores in August 2020.

Splenda is the brand name for sucralose, a nonnutritive sweetener that is used in a variety of foods and beverages instead of sugar.

Splenda is a good alternative to sugar as it helps consumers save on calories and reduce sugar consumption.

The new Diet Pepsi with Splenda is said to be gentler and less aggressive than the previous version. The carbonation also feels lighter, making it a good beginner soda.

Other soft drinks that contain Splenda include Diet Coke with Splenda, Minute Maid Sparkling fruit-flavored drinks, PowerAde Zero, Dasani flavored waters, and the Mountain Dew line of energy drinks.

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