The soda aisle can be a daunting place, filled with countless options, especially in the realm of diet sodas. Beyond the familiar Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper, a plethora of sugar-free versions of classics like root beer and fruit punch compete for attention. For the seasoned diet soda enthusiast, the question arises: which of these newcomers are actually worth trying? And what exactly differentiates "zero" and "diet" sodas? To navigate this complex landscape, I embarked on a personal taste test of some of the most popular diet sodas on the market, with flavor as the primary focus.
Methodology
The selection process for this taste test prioritized both established brands marketed on specific flavorings (like Sunkist) and sodas with proprietary flavor profiles (such as Diet Coke). The final list of 15 included common diet soda drinks from Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi, as well as sugar-free options in various flavor categories.
As the sole taste-tester, I consumed each soda cold from a glass, without ice. The majority of the sodas were similarly priced, so cost was only factored into the ranking when a beverage was significantly more expensive, as was the case with the prebiotic sodas. Unless otherwise noted, all of the sodas costs $2.28 per bottle or $7.28 per 12-pack.
The Rankings: A Flavor Adventure
Here are the results of my exploration into the world of diet sodas, ranked from least to most enjoyable:
15. Diet Mountain Dew: This highly caffeinated soda has a dedicated following, particularly among those seeking an energy boost. However, the diet version proved disappointing. Its strong yellowish-green color was reminiscent of Hi-C Ecto Cooler, but the soda lacked a discernible aroma. The taste was vaguely orangey and limey, fading quickly and leaving a sense of pointlessness. Diet Mountain Dew failed to excite the taste buds.
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14. Canada Dry Zero Sugar Ginger Ale: Inspired by the original Canada Dry's lighter profile, the zero-sugar version fell short on flavor. The aroma was weak, and the taste was subtle and muted, lacking the expected gingery kick. While it might serve as a decent mixer, it didn't impress as a standalone beverage.
13. Sunkist Zero Sugar: With 19 milligrams of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces, Sunkist Zero Sugar offers a slight energy boost. However, the light orange aroma and underwhelming taste, which faded quickly and left a synthetic coating, detracted from the experience. Despite containing natural flavors, Sunkist Zero Sugar seemed somewhat refreshing and might be acceptable on a hot day.
12. Pepsi Zero: In the ongoing rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola, Pepsi Zero offered a unique flavor profile, leaning more towards lemony citrus than the cherry notes of Dr. Pepper. The taste was described as "lemon toffee caramel" with a sweet, lingering aftertaste, making it clear why it has a dedicated following.
11. Coke Zero: Introduced in 2005, Coke Zero aimed to provide a healthier alternative for regular Coca-Cola drinkers, particularly those who found Diet Coke too feminine. Coke Zero more closely resembles the flavor of regular Coke, with a noticeable lemon base in both aroma and taste. Regular Coke drinkers seeking a sugar-free option might find this more palatable than Diet Coke. The lemony tinge felt surprisingly refreshing.
10. Diet Cherry Coke: Among Coca-Cola's flavored sugar-free offerings, Diet Cherry Coke has stood the test of time. The soda had a mild aroma that was more Coke than cherry. The cherry flavor was present, with a pleasant aftertaste that didn't linger. While the overall taste was less intense than memories of regular Cherry Coke, the cherry became more pronounced as the beverage warmed. However, the cherry flavoring tasted increasingly synthetic over time.
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9. Poppi: Poppi distinguishes itself from conventional diet sodas with its inclusion of prebiotic fiber, apple cider vinegar, and a small amount of sugar. With its clear but not overwhelming real-sugar sweetness, Poppi offered a different experience. The strawberry element provided bubblegum-lemonade vibes, but the apple cider vinegar was a bit too noticeable.
8. A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer: In the competition between A&W and Barq's root beers, A&W is known for its creamy, milder flavor. The initial sip was a bit disappointing, lacking the deep, dark rootiness expected from a root beer. However, the creamy notes grew on me, and the pleasant aftertaste lingered. While it might be too dessert-like for everyday consumption, it has its merits.
7. Olipop Strawberry Vanilla: Olipop, another prebiotic soda, boasts a notable amount of dietary fiber and less sugar than traditional sodas. The Strawberry Vanilla variety had an attractive pink color and an appealing strawberry aroma. The flavor was sweet and lightly decadent, with the real sugar creating a pleasant taste experience. There was no unpleasant lingering aftertaste. However, the high fiber content suggests moderation, and the price point is higher than conventional sugar-free sodas.
6. Sprite Zero: Sprite Zero's label was updated in 2023 with bold black font, and the soda no longer comes in green bottles to improve recycling efforts. Sprite Zero had a fairly strong lemon-lime scent and a moderately sweet flavor that was neither overpowering nor weak. The flavor faded quickly but left a nice zing of lemon. It's a refreshing, caffeine-free option that also serves as a good mixer.
5. Diet Pepsi: Diet Pepsi proved to be a surprising experience. The hard-hitting opening note was difficult to describe, but subsequent sips revealed tinges of caramel, vanilla, citrus, and perhaps a hint of ginger. Ultimately, Diet Pepsi was a very enjoyable experience.
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4. Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar: Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar is marketed as a sugar-free version of the original, while Diet Dr. Pepper is a calorie-free option that maintains the regular flavor profile. Dr. Pepper Zero had a less pronounced aroma than Diet Dr. Pepper, but the flavor packed a powerful punch, amplifying the characteristic Dr. Pepper taste. While the intensity might be overwhelming for some, it would work well in recipes.
3. Fresca: Fresca, around since the mid-1960s, boasts subtle icy sky blue and lemon-yellow packaging. Fresca poured out a bit cloudy, as expected from a drink made with concentrated grapefruit juice. The drink lives up to its name, which means "fresh" in several languages: It was incredibly refreshing and tasty, and I had to stop myself from chugging. It was sweeter than Sprite Zero, though more natural tasting, with a pleasant hint of tartness from the grapefruit. It's caffeine-free, too.
2. Diet Coke: Diet Coke, introduced in the early 1980s, has become a staple in the diet soda world. The flavor is crisp, refreshing, and vaguely lemony, which is not surprising given regular Coke's potential inclusion of citrus. Diet Coke is a very inoffensive beverage, avoiding extremes, making it a versatile mixer suitable for any time of day.
1. Diet Dr. Pepper: Despite Dr. Pepper Zero's impressive imitation of the regular flavor, Diet Dr. Pepper emerged as the overall winner. While personal preference inevitably played a role, I approached the experiment with an open mind, ready to potentially replace Diet Dr. Pepper as my top choice. However, that didn't happen. The cherry aroma of Diet Dr. Pepper is stronger than that of Dr. Pepper Zero, but when the flavor kicks in, Diet Dr. Pepper takes a step back, offering a lighter take on the signature cherry base. Zero was just too sweet and strongly flavored for an "anytime" drink, which is exactly what Diet Dr. Pepper is.