Coke Zero
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Coke Zero is one of the greatest tasting, fastest growing low calorie beverages on the market today. Considering it was released in 2005, I'm amazed at how few diet soda drinkers have yet to try it. Marketing was a part of that I believe, as Coke decided to release Sprite Zero first, which was 'zero calories, zero caffeine.' So, reasonably, a lot of people assumed that Coke Zero was some kind of rebrand of Caffeine Free Diet Coke. That couldn't be farther from the truth!
Here's the real story.The product known as 'Diet Coke' was never actually a 'diet' version of Coca Cola. By that, I mean it was based on a completely different formula, it was not Coca Cola Classic with the sugar (high fructose corn syrup) removed, and artificial sweeteners added. For a little more back story, Coke actually used the 'Diet Coke' formula, replaced aspartame with corn syrup, and released that product in the late 80's as 'New Coke.' Anyone conscious around that time remembers how well that went over.
Coke Zero, or Coca Cola Zero, is a low calorie (actually no calorie) version of the original Coca Cola Classic formula. In short, it is the true 'diet Coke.' The taste is incredibly authentic. Instead of using straight aspartame, it uses the now popular (and great tasting) blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-k). The Ace-k helps cut the bitter aftertaste that aspartame often produces.
Coke Zero has proven itself to be a viable product, as it is one of the only carbonated beverages to gain market share the past few years. It is popular among males, where as Diet Coke is mainly marketed towards women. It is expected to break into the top ten beverages sold by next year, a very exclusive club to be in. If you keep a close eye, you may also start seeing it pop up in your favorite restaurants soon; several fast food chains have already added it to their taps.
Bottom line, this is maybe the best tasting low calorie beverage available today, especially in terms of cola products. Coke Zero is most certainly worth trying if you have yet to do so! Available in all of Coke's packaging options.
– Jeremy Hobbs
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