DIET COKE — FAR FROM HOMEMADE™

Information updated September 2024

DIET COKE TASTE POSITIONING: For many years, Diet Coke was positioned around taste:

Famous spokespeople like Sir Elton John have represented Diet Coke:

DIET COKE ENERGY POSITIONING: Diet Coke has also been positioned similar to an energy drink as we see in the print ad below with the headline, "Three Hour Meeting", with a visual of three cans of Diet Coke:

Shown below, let's look at the ingredients in Diet Coke in September 2023. (Source: Coca-Cola Diet Coke Web site 9/24)

Aside from the Carbonated Water, all of the ingredients in Diet Coke are Not In Kitchen™ >> commercial ingredients we never have in our home kitchens. Diet Coke is a product of beverage science.

DIET COKE CONTAINS TWO INGREDIENTS WHICH ARE BANNED AT WHOLE FOODS: The Artificial Sweetener — Aspartame — and the Chemical Preservative — Potassium Benzoate — are banned at Whole Foods Market who cites them as "Unacceptable in food”. (Source: Amazon Whole Foods Web site 9/24)

Let's look at how Coca-Cola defines these man-made ingredients:

HOW COCA-COLA DEFINES ASPARTAME: 'Aspartame is a low-calorie sugar substitute made up of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame is used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide reduced-, low- or no-calorie sweetener alternatives. Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients, and recognized authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have affirmed aspartame safety. People with the rare hereditary disorder PKU should strictly limit their intake of phenylalanine, a common amino acid that's found in aspartame.'

There have been numerous and extensive studies on the effects of artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and there is a lot of conflicting information. Unlike sugar which occurs naturally in sugar cane and many fruits and vegetables, Aspartame is made in a laboratory and is the result of food science.

ASPARTAME IS BANNED AT WHOLE FOODS: Whole Foods Market cites Aspartame as "Unacceptable in food". 

According to the Mayo Clinic 9/23: "For people who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) or certain other health conditions, phenylalanine can be a serious health concern. Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU. Federal regulations require that any food that contains aspartame bear this warning: 'Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine'." 

HOW COCA-COLA DEFINES PHOSPHORIC ACID: 'Phosphoric acid is used in certain sparkling beverages to add tartness to the beverage. Phosphoric Acid contains phosphorus, one of the basic elements of nature and an essential nutrient. Phosphorus is a major component of bones.'

According to Dr. Axe 9/23, Phosphoric acid lowers bone density, triggers major kidney issues, decreases nutrients in the body, increases body acidity and damages tissue. Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, is a certified doctor of natural medicine, doctor of chiropractic and a clinical nutritionist.

Seen below, PHOSPHORIC ACID HAS NUMEROUS SIDE FFECTS: Dr. Axe notes these possible side effects for Phosphoric acid: Chemical Burns, Diarrhea, Irritated & Burning Eyes & Skin, Stomach Cramps, Irritated Nose, Throat & Lungs, Nausea, Wheezing & Coughing, Vomiting. 

THE SOURCE OF CAFFEINE IN DIET COKE: According to Coca-Cola's Web site, "Caffeine comes from the leaves, seeds or fruits of more than 60 plants . . . or it can be man-made."  So, which is it?

ARTIFICIALLY FLAVORED DIET COKE CONTAINS POTASSIUM BENZOATE: An artificially synthesized preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. Potassium Benzoate is banned at Whole Foods. 

Caramel Color sounds like an innocent ingredient as though it is made from caramel, but it's not. There is building controversy around the possible damaging effects of (too much) Caramel Color; Caramel Color is a possible cancer-causing carcinogen.

CALIFORNIA LEADING THE WAY: Reduced levels of Caramel Color in beverages are required by law in California, so PepsiCo and Coca-Cola produce different versions of their iconic brands in California to meet the state's healthier requirements. 

Diet Coke has built their imagery around association with famous athletes and performers:

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