Coke Zero — ENGINEERED

Name: Coke Zero
Brand: Coca-Cola

Munch or Dump rates Coke Zero by Coca-Cola ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

A lab-built diet cola: carbonated water dyed with caramel color, soured with phosphoric acid, and sweetened by two artificial sweeteners. Zero sugar, but also zero nutrition.

Why this verdict

Two artificial sweeteners stacked: aspartame + acesulfame-K
Caramel color E150d is a cosmetic additive with no benefit
Phosphoric acid is corrosive to enamel and may hurt bone density
Zero nutrition — no vitamins, minerals, or real food
Classic NOVA 4 ultra-processed soft drink

Ingredients (8)

Carbonated Water (safe) — Just water and CO2, the neutral base of the drink.
Caramel color (E150d) (concerning) — Sulphite-ammonia caramel added purely for cola-brown color; can contain 4-MEI, a compound flagged in animal studies.
Phosphoric Acid (concerning) — Adds tartness but erodes tooth enamel and is linked to lower bone density with regular soda consumption.
aspartame (moderate) — Intense artificial sweetener; IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic and it keeps the sweet-craving cycle alive.
Acesulfame K (moderate) — Artificial sweetener; no calories but keeps the taste for intense sweetness alive.
Natural Flavors (moderate) — Undefined lab-blended flavor compounds standing in for real vanilla; a marker of a formulated product.
Caffeine (moderate) — ~41mg per can, mild stimulant. Reinforces the habit-forming pull of the drink.
Sodium Citrates (safe) — Acidity regulator; benign in these amounts.