As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the topic of Coke Zero and its calorie content. While the name “Coke Zero” suggests that it contains zero calories, the reality is a bit more complex.
Coke Zero is marketed as a zero-calorie alternative to regular Coca-Cola, and it is true that it contains very few calories compared to its sugary counterpart. However, it is important to note that it does not truly have zero calories. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows products that contain less than 5 calories per serving to be labeled as “zero calorie.”
So, while a 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of Coke Zero is listed as having zero calories, it actually contains a small amount of calories, likely less than 5. This may seem insignificant, but it's worth noting that consuming multiple servings of Coke Zero can still contribute to your overall calorie intake.
It is also important to consider the ingredients in Coke Zero. While it does not contain sugar, it is sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. These sweeteners are designed to provide the same sweet taste as sugar without the added calories. However, they do have a distinct taste that some people find off-putting.
Furthermore, Coke Zero contains the amino acid phenylalanine, which is an essential component of aspartame. This is worth noting because people with a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) need to avoid phenylalanine. PKU is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to process phenylalanine, and consuming foods or beverages that contain it can be harmful to individuals with PKU.
While Coke Zero is marketed as having zero calories, it does contain a small amount of calories per serving. Additionally, it is sweetened with artificial sweeteners and contains phenylalanine, making it unsuitable for individuals with PKU. It is always important to read the nutritional information and ingredients list of any product to make informed choices about your diet.