Beverages, carbonated, low calorie, cola or pepper-type, with aspartame, contains caffeine
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
This is the classic zero-calorie, sugar-free cola or pepper-type soda, engineered for a sharp, sweet, and effervescent kick without the caloric payload. Its signature dark caramel color and fizzy bite come from a precise blend of carbonation, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, and a hint of caffeine. Nutritionally, it's a near-empty vessel, providing virtually no protein, fat, or carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 24% protein · 62% carbs · 14% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for delivering the iconic, nostalgic cola flavor and satisfying carbonation hit without the sugar and calories of regular soda. It's a versatile beverage, enjoyed ice-cold on its own, as a mixer in cocktails, or as a palate cleanser with rich, savory meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The artificial sweetener (aspartame) can leave a mild aftertaste for some, and the caffeine may cause jitters or disrupt sleep in sensitive individuals. For those monitoring phenylalanine intake (as in PKU), it's essential to note the 'contains phenylalanine' warning on the label.
Key benefits
- Virtually calorie-free (2 kcal/100ml)
- Provides a quick caffeine boost (typically 10-15mg/100ml)
- Satisfies a craving for sweet, fizzy drinks without sugar
- Contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium
- Offers a consistent, familiar flavor profile
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The specific blend of oils used in cola flavoring is a closely guarded trade secret, but it is known to include oils from citrus, cinnamon, vanilla, and other botanicals.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.5 g |
| Energy | 2.0 kcal |
| Energy | 7.0 kj |
| Protein | 0.11 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.03 g |
| Ash | 0.03 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.29 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.11 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 9.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 8.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 8.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.01 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.11 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 59.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 12.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Does diet cola really have zero calories?
It's extremely low-calorie, not zero. A typical serving has about 0-4 calories, which is rounded down to 'zero' on nutrition labels per FDA guidelines.
Is the caffeine content the same as regular cola?
Generally, yes. Diet versions often contain the same amount of caffeine as their full-sugar counterparts, around 30-40mg per 12 oz can.
Can I bake with it?
Absolutely. It's a popular ingredient in 'diet' cakes and brownies, where it adds moisture and flavor without adding sugar or significant calories.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.02 kcal/g · 22% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.00 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.