Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
Coke Zero is a sugar-free version of the Coca-Cola beverage. It is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular Coca-Cola, containing no calories or sugar. Coke Zero has a taste similar to regular Coca-Cola but without calories or sugar. It is available in a variety of sizes and flavors, including original, cherry, vanilla, and raspberry. Moreover, caffeine-free Coke Zero is also available.
The sugar-free version of Coke Zero is what should make it a diabetic-friendly beverage. However, the scenario is entirely different as you should not be concerned only about the caloric or sugar intake. It is loaded with artificial sweeteners and flavors in place of sugar which could have a severe impact on your blood glucose levels over long-term consumption.
So, does Coke Zero raise blood sugar? Let’s unfold below by closely looking at what the research and my opinion say as an expert in diabetes management!
What is the Nutritional Information on Coke Zero?
Since its launch in the US twelve years ago, Coca-Cola Zero (re-branding of Coke Zero) has been providing hundreds of millions of people with its real Coca-Cola taste and zero calories. Now, with its new name, look and even better flavor, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is ready to refresh drinkers.
In-house innovation and extensive market testing have resulted in a delicious product with zero sugar and zero calories, and it arrived on store shelves nationwide in August 2017.
The company continues to innovate and evolve its recipes, and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a prime example of this product development. This no-calorie favorite is one of a range of nearly 250 reduced- and no-sugar beverages available in the US.
Given below is a nutritional breakdown of Coke Zero per can which is about 12oz in size. There are 12 servings per container.
- Total fat: 0g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total carbohydrate: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 60mg
Does Coke Zero Raise Blood Sugar?
In the short term, Coke Zero Sugar will not raise blood sugar levels due to its artificial sweeteners, which have no carbohydrate or glycemic load. However, research suggests that, over time, these sweeteners may impact blood sugar levels.
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Diet sodas such as Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and other diet sodas use artificial sweeteners to replace added sugar such as high-fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars, so as to be calorie-free and have little effect on blood sugar.
Yet, some studies on rats found that prolonged use of artificial sweeteners could influence gut bacteria and result in an increase in blood sugar levels. The results of this study have yet to be fully explored in humans, and it is still unknown what the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners may be.
Coke and soft drink intake should be limited for diabetics. There is no added sugar in Coke Zero. Nonetheless, for individuals seeking to reduce their blood glucose levels, the sugar substitutes it comprises may not be the healthiest option.
Coke Zero contains aspartame, as well as a second unnatural sweetener called ‘acesulfame potassium’ (sometimes known as Ace-K). Beverage producers may use less of this chemical to get the desired flavor since it is 200 times sweeter than sugar.
The health implications of artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are contentious, and their safety is a growing concern. In a 14-year study of 66,118 women, a link between artificially sweetened drink consumption and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes was identified.
According to the research of 2,019 persons, drinking diet Coke does not appear to reduce your diabetes risk if you have type 2 diabetes. Moreover, in an 8-year study of 64,850 women, drinking artificially sweetened beverages increased the risk of diabetes by 21%, whereas sugar-sweetened beverages increased the risk by 43%.
Coke Zero is also a poor source of nutrition, with no calories. As a result, Coke Zero isn’t suitable for diabetes as advertised.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coke Zero?
Coke Zero has a minimal number of calories and sugar, therefore it is suitable for dieters. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to reduce their caloric intake or those who are looking to avoid adding unnecessary sugars to their diet.
Additionally, because Coca-Cola Zero doesn’t contain caffeine, it can be enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up without worrying about staying up late or causing any sleeplessness the next day. Another benefit of Coke Zero is that it has a sweet and fruity taste, which makes it enjoyable to drink.
However, I’d not advise you to consume Coke Zero if you’re on a diabetic diet. Short-term consumption like just to chase your taste buds can still be considered, but long-term consumption on regular basis should be avoided. In the long term, nothing can replace the miracles of water!
Risks of Consuming Coke Zero
Your blood glucose levels are generally the most important issue for diabetics. But, just one factor will not have an impact on your diabetes. While diet sodas do not affect your blood sugar levels, they might influence other elements that promote diabetes.
Many health issues have been linked to Coke Zero and other artificially sweetened beverages, including:
Kidney issues
It’s more likely that you’ll get kidney disease. Your kidneys may be harmed by Soda’s high phosphorus level. Diet soda drinkers who consume more than seven diet sodas each week have a twofold higher risk of renal disease, according to one research.
May raise heart concerns
Heart disease risk is increased. A link between artificially sweetened beverages and a higher risk of heart disease in women who had never had it was found in observational research.
As a consequence of this, your gut microbiome may alter. Artificially sweetened drinks impact the gut microbiota, which affects blood sugar regulation, according to multiple research.
Osteoporosis is more likely as a result of this. According to one study, daily cola consumption was linked to a 3.7%–5.4% decline in bone mineral density. The same outcomes were seen in those who consume diet cola drinks.
Causes tooth erosion
Diet sodas, such as Coke Zero, are similar to ordinary sodas in that they are linked to an increased risk of tooth erosion.
Coke Zero contains a lot of phosphoric acids. According to research on human teeth, phosphoric acid contributes to mild enamel and tooth degradation.
The full range of possible negative consequences from Coke Zero might drastically alter and worsen the quality of life for diabetics. Moreover, for individuals with diabetes, Coke Zero may not be a suitable option.
Final Words
Coke Zero Sugar is a calorie-free, sugarless drink that may provide a healthier option than regular soda. However, while not containing sugar, it is sweetened artificially, which could potentially be detrimental to health. Studies have associated artificial sweeteners with several health issues, as well as possibly raising blood sugar levels in the long term. Therefore, those with diabetes should avoid Coke Zero and other diet sodas and opt for water or other more suitable beverages instead until and unless they’re consuming it just for short-term purposes.
Useful FAQs
Can a diabetic drink Coke?
Since it will rapidly raise blood glucose and add hundreds of calories in one serving, the American Diabetes Association recommends that persons with diabetes avoid consuming sugar-sweetened beverages like soda.
Which is healthier: Coke Zero or Diet Coke?
There isn’t a vast difference between Coke Zero and Diet Coke except for the flavors. Diet Coke has a distinct combination of flavors that gives it a lighter flavor than Coca-Cola’s zero sugar, which looks and tastes more like Coca-Cola’s original flavor. However, both the drinks are calorie-free and sugar-free.
What drinks bring blood sugar down?
As I mentioned, there is no substitute for water. Yet, you can also add drinks like unsweetened tea, whole-fruit smoothies, and plant-based milk to your list.
What are the worst sugar substitutes?
Aspartame (found in Equal and NutraSweet), sucralose (found in Splenda), and Saccharin (found in Sweet ‘N Low) are among the most heinous offenders. Several people claim to have benefited from removing artificial sweeteners from their diets, including headaches, depression, IBS, weight gain, and more. You can find the relevant research here.
Which sugar is worst for diabetics?
According to Healthline, Fructose tops the list of worst sugar for diabetics.
Is coconut sugar good for diabetes?
The glycemic index of coconut palm sugar is low, but the American Diabetes Association advises that it be treated the same as ordinary sugar since it contains the same quantity of calories and carbs.
Does diet soda raise blood sugar?
Although diet sodas do not raise blood sugar, they contain artificial sweeteners which can have various health risks. These include increased chances of bladder cancer, chronic fatigue, and brain tumor.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5998368/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26430511
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23364017/
- https://www.nature.com/news/bacteria-from-lean-cage-mates-help-mice-stay-slim-1.13693
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jgs.13376
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
