Coke Zero — ENGINEERED
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) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
- 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 (caution) — Acidulant giving cola its tang. Erodes tooth enamel and is associated with lower bone density at high soda intake.
- aspartame (moderate) — Artificial sweetener ~200x sweeter than sugar. Approved but heavily debated; keeps the drink at zero calories.
- Acesulfame K (moderate) — Artificial sweetener stacked on top of aspartame to boost sweetness cheaply.
- Natural Flavors (safe) — Flavor compounds derived from natural sources.
- Caffeine (moderate) — Mild stimulant, 43mg per serving. Fine in moderation but makes the drink mildly habit-forming.
- Sodium Citrates (safe) — Acidity regulator/buffer, benign in this amount.