Soft drink, cola, diet
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A zero-calorie, carbonated soft drink designed to mimic the classic cola flavor without sugar. It delivers a sharp, sweet, and slightly acidic taste with a fizzy, effervescent texture that cleanses the palate. Nutritionally, it is essentially devoid of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates, providing only a trace of sodium.
Calorie split: 24% protein · 62% carbs · 14% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for delivering the iconic, bold cola taste and satisfying carbonation without the sugar or calories. It's a go-to for mixing cocktails, enjoying with fast food, or as a guilt-free treat when craving something sweet and bubbly.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) can leave a lingering aftertaste for some and may trigger cravings for sweeter foods. Those sensitive to caffeine should be mindful, as a standard can contains about 35-45mg. To counteract, pair it with a protein-rich snack to blunt any potential sweet cravings, and practice portion control by choosing a mini-can.
Key benefits
- Zero calories and sugar-free, aiding in calorie control.
- Provides a sweet, carbonated alternative to sugary drinks.
- Contains no fat, cholesterol, or carbohydrates.
- Offers a familiar cola flavor without the glycemic impact.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original formula for Diet Coke was developed to be a 'diet' version of Coca-Cola, but its taste profile is actually distinct from 'Coca-Cola Classic' and is based on a different, sweeter recipe.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.5 g |
| Energy | 2.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.11 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.03 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.29 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 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 |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 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 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Does diet cola really have zero calories?
Per 100g, it has a negligible 2 kcal. A standard 355ml can contains about 0-4 calories, which is legally rounded down to zero in many countries.
Is the caffeine in diet cola the same as in regular cola?
The caffeine content is very similar, typically 35-45mg per 355ml can, compared to about 34mg in regular Coca-Cola.
Can diet cola be used in cooking?
Yes, it's a popular ingredient in glazes, marinades, and even some cakes, where it provides moisture, acidity, and sweetness without adding sugar.
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.