Diet Coke — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Diet Coke by Coca-Cola DUMP — score 20/90.

Carbonated chemistry with zero nutrition: two artificial sweeteners, caramel coloring, phosphoric acid, and a benzoate preservative. 'No calories' doesn't mean it's good for you.

Why this verdict

• Two artificial sweeteners stacked (aspartame + acesulfame K) for engineered sweetness
• Caramel color E150d — purely cosmetic, carries trace 4-MEI
• Phosphoric acid erodes tooth enamel and is tied to lower bone density
• Potassium benzoate preservative; zero nutrition, NOVA 4 ultra-processed
• 'No calories' distracts from a drink that is 100% industrial additives

Ingredients (9)

• Carbonated Water (safe) — Plain fizzy water, the harmless base.
• Caramel color (E150d) (moderate) — Sulphite-ammonia caramel coloring added purely for a dark cosmetic look; E150d can carry trace 4-MEI.
• aspartame (moderate) — An artificial sweetener layered on top of the HFCS - engineered sweetness, not real flavor.
• Acesulfame K (moderate) — Second artificial sweetener stacked on top — heat-stable, no calories, but more engineered sweetness with no benefit.
• Phosphoric Acid (concerning) — Sharp acidulant that erodes tooth enamel and, in heavy soda drinkers, is associated with lower bone mineral density.
• Potassium Benzoate (moderate) — A preservative; can form trace benzene with citric acid/ascorbic acid under heat and light.
• Natural Flavors (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend that does the heavy lifting where real acai/blueberry/pomegranate would be.
• citric acid (safe) — Common acidulant for tartness and preservation; safe in these amounts.
• Caffeine (moderate) — Added stimulant (~10mg/100ml) that makes the drink mildly habit-forming; not a nutrient.