Coke Zero: Confused Anyone?

I love the taste! I did however, notice I was losing a lot of hair and the only change I had made was drinking Coke Zero....so I stopped and I'm not losing my hair. Could be a fluke, but I don't want to be bald so will stay away. Fat people aren't the only ones who drink "diet" soda and I suspect if you can poke fun of someone based on personal comments, you could use some self esteem counseling. What kind of person feels so bad about themselves they have to insult others to make themselves feel intelligent?

The thing that is supposed to be so incredibly different about Coke Zero is that it's not sweetened with aspartame, it's sweetened with acesulfame-K. They used it in Pepsi One as well. I prefer the diet sodas to regular sodas as well...I think regular soda tastes like syrup. I do think that most of the sodas that are sweetened with Splenda taste better though (I like the flavored Diet Rite sodas). But there just can't be another Diet Coke. It's flavor is distinct and can't be duplicated. And I'm well aware of the risks of aspartame, but like Lana said...not enough to make me not drink it. There are chemicals and additives in just about everything. Funny how everyone disses "diet" foods but thinks alcohol is okay because it's natural. Breaking down alcohol is much harder on the liver than breaking down aspartame.

I tried Coke Zero today and I don't like it. It was flat with hardly any taste. I have drank Diet Coke for years and enjoy it. Maybe I got a bad bottle. Not worth trying unless you drink a non diet cola.

I try and not drink too much soda but when I tried Coke Zero, I swear I instantly became addicted. It doesn't taste like diet and is not as strong as non-diet. I love it!

Angel wrote: "What this means is, Diet Coke is actually a diet version of Coke II, not Coke Classic.

Coke Zero, by contrast, is Coke with the sugar removed, and replaced with an aspartame/ace-k combination.

Also new is Diet Coke with Splenda. This is Coke II with sucralose instead of sugar."

You are right on, Angel. She has described the situation perfectly, down to the historic detail of why Diet Coke tastes like it does.

I can't believe this new COCA COLA ZERO .... tastes like Diet Pepsi, which I detest .... please don't get rid of diet coke!

its proven artifical sweeteners cause you to retain body fat and you actually gain weight. Not no mention the long term effects. I say its a good drink but dont over do it...

Coke Zero is amazing. To me it tastes very close to regular Coke (little less sweet). However, there is no after taste at all. I only hope it does very well in stores. One of my all-time favorite sodas was 7-up Gold...However, not many people liked it and it was gone. C'mon people, buy up the Coke Zero and lets put an end to Diet Soda aftertaste as we know it. Spread the word!

I hate Acesulfame-K. Everytime I eat a diet anything and immediately think "that is nasty", I check the label and yes, it is sweetened with Acesulfame-K. I wouldn't try this thing just because of that.

From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_Zero

"This product is different from Diet Coke because of the sweeteners it uses (Diet Coke only uses aspartame), and because, unlike Diet Coke, this product is based on the original Coca-Cola formula. Diet Coke was an entirely new formula which would eventually become the basis for the controversial New Coke (later renamed Coke II)."

Does anyone know if they stopped making Vanilla Coke? I live in Alaska and no one seems to carry it anymore.
Figures, I get hooked on something and they take it away from me.
Linda

Linda, I've still seen the Diet Vanilla Coke in stores, but I'm not sure about the regular Vanilla Coke.

It appears as though Vanilla Coke and Diet Vanilla coke are going to be phased out. The company plans to introdue Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Black Cherry Vanilla versions in January.

Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke would both be pretty good. It kind of sounds like they're ripping off Dr. Pepper's idea though.

OK quick history lesson:

When Coca-Cola invented Diet coke they based their formula on the New Coke platform rather than Coca-Cola Classic, yeilding New coke + Aspartame.

Now, for those of you that think that Coke Light and Coke zero taste similar that is because they are in fact the same drink. Coke Light is only avaiable overseas mostly in Europe. The Coke Zero (Light) platform is based on the Coca-Cola Classic Formula with an added artificial sweeter, yeilding Coke Classic + Aspartame + Acesulfame Potassium (Yes this formula is sugar free). The Coke Zero formula is not new at all it has been marketed as Coke Light for many years now in Europe. The reason there is a different formula for overseas is due to the fact that the Europeans were never exposed to the failed drink known as New Coke. And since they never tasted new coke why sell a diet drink overseas based on the new coke formula.

The one think that gets me is that it took the Coca Cola Company years to figure out that Americans would Like a diet drink (albeit without its proper nomenclature), that actually tastes like Coke Classic.

All right, fools:
This is stupid. Why are we arguing about sodas?The way I see it, drink the real thing, or not at all. The ones that aren't real Coke are nasty. Drink water.
Oh, you say water doesn't taste good? Try DASANI WITH LEMON/RASBERRY/STRAWBERRY. Trust me, it tastes really good(especially lemon) and is good for you.
The Coke C2 was the only good non-original version of Coke.

I just tried Coke Zero and has to say it is really good. 99% the same as real coke classic. Only the slightest hint of the "diet" aftertaste. I think I am going to try this for awhile.

I recommend you try drinking green tea cold with ice and Splenda! Tastes awesome! I love any kind of tea with Splenda, tastest awesome. I've been drinking the green tea for like a year now and decided to try the coke zero. Much better than Pepsi Zero which tastes exactly like diet pepsi.

This is addressed to all the people who come on here with negative things to say about other people. For cripes sake it is a message board with people talking about diet sodas, what do you have against this that you have to come on here and act like a rude child. If you have an opinion about diet soda thats fine give it, but dont make personal attacks on other people. You dont see us going on your IM A MISSERABLE PERSON message boards and putting you down do you. :-) SO GROW UP!!!

Now about coke zero: I'm gonna give it a shot tomorrow. I have never liked diet soda but I'm opened minded enough to give it a shot! Have a great day!

I have never drank diet sodas for any length of time because they have always tasted like garbage to me. I don't want to "get used to" something that tastes bad to begin with. I am not overweight, nor diabetic, but would prefer to save some calories I don't need since I love Coke. After giving in to advertising that says it tastes like real coke, which they always say, I gave this one a shot. Expecting the horrid aftertaste to come on after my first sip, I was astonished to find there was VERY little. In fact, I actually enjoyed drinking this! Color me impressed Coca Cola. After polishing off a 20oz'er, I was simply shocked at what Coke has pulled off. This is very close to regular Coke, and they didn't even need to hide it with Cherry or Vanilla flavoring. I wonder if this is going to be one of those products that can't be duplicated by Pepsi, like Coke has always been. Coke gets an A+ for this product.

I Love Coke Zero and Diet Cherry coke. They need to use the same formula for the Diet Cherry and I will be thrilled.

BTW all Pepsi products are NASTY!

I remember coke. I used to drink it before I became an adult and switched to juices and coffee.

Grow the f*ck up kiddies - nothing wrong with coke if you're 13 years old but why drink brown sugar water when it's so unhealthy that they feel it necessary to offer so many alternatives?

BTW - You'll love coffee one day.

Splenda is dangerous - its been shown that it is actually absorbed by the organism and it doen't reduce calories. I get headaches and nausea from it. It makes the drink taste like very sweet diet coke which is plain nasty. Coke zero is not great - it tases like something in between regular and diet - doesnt have the smoothness of diet but doesn't have the corn syrupy taste of the regular - basically a mix with no merits.

My background: Coca Cola addict since age 10; I stockpiled 80+ cases of 16oz returnable bottles of the good stuff when New Coke was introduced, it got me (and many new friends) through the several months til CC Classic came out.

Drink of choice: Captain Morgan and Coke, each can makes 2 drinks so thats either 2 or 4 drinks per evening.

A little math will tell you I had been drinking too much alcohol and sugar for my own good, so quit(almost) for several months. Felt great and saw my psoriasis completely dissapear; I never had any weight issues.

I have started trying to consume alcohol again in moderation, but sugar is my more serious concern. I think ZERO may be the answer. Taste and mouthfeel is very similar to CCC, slightly more spice, slightly less carbonation and acid, not too bad on the aftertaste. If I mix a Captain and Zero, I use about double the ice as with CCC and pour very carefully as to preserve the CO2. Still in the testing stages...

Any Captain and CCC/Zero drinkers out there?

I'm in Denver, is this a test market or is Zero gone USA wide?

It's obvious that a lot of very opinionated people have been here. It's also clear that we're never going to agree on what soft drink (if any) is the best to drink. But that's the great thing about it -- we don't have to. Each of us can drink what we want to drink. Just because you think something doesn't mean everyone of differing opinion is wrong. If you think so, go try your hand at running a communist country (& let me know how that works out for you).

Some of the statements on this blog are so bizarre I just don't know where to start...

Yes, water is better for your health than ANY soft drink. Too much of anything can kill you though - even water. But drinking a Coke Classic, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, or any of their multiple varieties is not going to kill you unless you've got other, much more serious preexisting medical problems.

That being said, if you're one of the geniuses posting some of the absurd "facts" above, I recommend that you conduct a little research. If you've posted on this site, you apparently spend adequate time online to do so.

Personally, I drink several Cokes a week. I've also tried Zero and think it's pretty good. I don't like Diet, but that's my opinion. Oh, just for reference - I am very fit. I play basketball several times a week, & I've run several 5k, 10k, and 10 mile events. I seriously doubt that Coke will be my cause of death...

Check ya later!

I enjoy Coke Zero and Diet Cherry Coke... if they ever make Cherry Coke Zero I'm set!

Some of you people scare me, when you talk about drinking around 90-100+ oz. of diet pop every day. That just seems extreme and unhealthy. For one thing, that is way too much caffiene, which is bad for your heart and your body's general balance. Second, anything in excess is not good for you, especially when it contains unnatural chemicals. Consider cutting back and/or switching to caffiene free.

Hints From Heloise says to keep bathtub drains from getting clogged, poor a can of Coca-Cola down the drain.

Just sayin'.

I meant pour.

Coke Zero is exactly as the name states: A ZERO. While traveling in Europe you will find this same A/A-K formula. There it is called Coca Cola Light. It sucks there and now it sucks here. Really can't believe a "trusted" company like Coke can release such a garbage product. I am shocked it's awful taste wasn't flagged well before it's doomed launch. If Coke wants to save it's reputation... they should be pulling this swill from the store shelves ASAP and offering a cash refund on full or empty cans!!

Mark,

Your post just goes to show that the adage of "to each their own" is 100% true. I LOVE Coke Zero. I think Diet Coke is gross. I've been a loyal Diet Pepsi drinker for years, but Coke Zero has made me switch. In almost all cases, every diet drink I've tried with A/A-K combo has met or exceeded my taste requirements.

One man's swill stocks another woman's fridge.

Call me a freak...but I just LURVE Pepsi Max!!

Coke Zero is simply been the key to me losing 50 LBS. It's no joke. I drank Coke Classis and Mountain Dew all growing up. I just could not understand how someone could drink diet sodas. I was very motivated to lose weight. I knew I had to cut the daily calories somehow. I started drinking diet coke, diet cherry vanilla Dr Pepper(in my opinion probably the best diet drink out there), and diet mountain dew. I did eventually get used to them but really wasnt just loving them. I then discovered Fresca, this in my opinion being very good. Also tried C2, just OK.

Then I found COKE ZERO. Im an addict. Really, anyone who says it tastes bad or it does not taste like regular coke is crazy. This stuff really is the solution to a perfect 0 calorie soda that tastes like a regular soda. To me its identical. I love it so much my wife tells me that Im constantly advertising it to friends and family! I dont know what Id do if it went off the market. I live in Germany and I do agree that coca light is very good also, very similar to Coke Zero. I really thought my wife and i were in the minority drinking this stuff. Its good to know that its really catching on and people are realizing this. Thanks to coke for discovering this!

Coke Zero is Coke Light. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_Zero

I'm a Diet Coke drinker, I tried this new Coke Zero and think it taste like ass.

Ok... so I drank Coke for many years... and like everyone else who drinks it regularly, I became addicted to it... Next came Diet Coke when I realized that Coke was full of sugar..Duhhhh ! So I drank Diet Coke.... now comes Coke Zero... WOW ! Where have you been all my life Coke Zero... I switched in July and haven't gone back... until now... I simply cannot find it in the stores anymore... did Coke quit making it ??? Where is my Coke Zero ??? I want answers ! Don't tell me you pulled it ??? HELP !!! All of the grocery stores stocked it in cans up until the 1st of 2006... now I can't find it except for a few convience stores that have a few left... What am I going to do now ??? Can anyboy give me the recipe ??? SIGNED - A disgruntled Coke Zero addict

The South-American "Coca Light" is sweetened with a mix of acesulfame K and aspartame, and so is the "Pepsi Light" - the difference is the ratio. So yes, Coke Zero is "Coca Light", as in the European and South American ones. Pepsi has more acesulfame K than aspartame, so it tastes better to me. I drink a smaller brand, since it is sweetened with saccharin, and aspartame gives me headaches.

They just changed the "Coca Light" formula here and now it tastes a bit less like soap, but it still lists aspartame first. So it wasn't the sweeteners that changed.

Wow, This coke Zero must have only been released in Australia today (11th Jan 2006) cos I am unfortunatley a hardcore coke addict, drinking about 2litres plus a day and try as I might to like diet coke or ANY diet drink, I have been unable to maintain drinking it cos I can't stand it really.

Today my hubby bought coke zero and I am so excited!!!! The after taste is barely noticable but is still there while the instant taste is identical to "real coke". I am concerned about the health concerns with the "fake sugar" but surely it can't be as bad as drinking all that regular coke?????

Any advice anyone - please coke keep this one......its got to be a winner.

mmm same great taste, just more screwed up. Doesn't Splenda screw with your brain. The debate is still out though if Splenda is worse than Aspartamine.'

0 calories, 1 life-time nightmare. Is your wasitline worth it?

Half the aspartame is a really good thing.
Just a quick search for aspartame brings up some pretty nasty things.
I'll certainly be switching from Diet to Zero.

Coke zero has only been in Australia for about a week or so. My girlfriend and I bought two big bottles as we were both excited when it was randomly in the supermatket on New Year's Day.

She's a dedicated Coke machine, and I've been drinking Diet Coke since I could walk - so we'rea great testing ground for Zero. She can't stand Diet Coke and I don't like Normal Coke.

We both absolutely HATED zero. We couldn't believe how bad it tasted! It has no coke flavour at all.

IT TASTES IDENTICAL TO SPRITE ZERO - Don't believe me? buy the two and compare.

It tastes like a dangerous wash of chemicals that are engaged in a fight to cover eachother up and leave your mouth as fast as possible without a trace left behind for you to dwell on.

This is clearly coke trying to pull one over on us. No other soft-drink actually contains a chemical that neutralises your saliva so there's no aftertaste! If there was an aftertaste, that's when you'd realise how awful it is.

We now have two bottles of Coke Zero in the fridge that'll go next garbage day.

The Supermarket still stocks Zero, but nobody's buying any. There trying to market it up more to make some sails "go on, give it a try!" haha.

Is this by any chance a distribution method for bird-flu contaminents? Coke heroicly funding the removal of infected and suspect birds, blending them up, chucking in some chemicals and redistibuting it to the Western World. It certainly tastes like it could be fatal and Coke's marketing resembles the characteristics of an epidemic, but thank god it's not catching.

Strangest conspiracy theory ever coined - maybe it's the Splenda getting to me *twitches*...

Well, I hated it. The first thing I noticed when I removed the top was the strong smell, a very artificial chemical odour. OK, maybe it tastes better I thought, but no - it was probably the worst taste of any drink I've ever tried, totally lacking in flavour and decidedly artificial. I normally drink diet coke which is quite ok, but I think Coke have screwed up big time (and not the frist major mistake in marketing for them either)with this "Zero". It sures lives up to it's name there. I won't even begin to address the idiocy of the low-carb/zero-carb mentality pandering to the totally misguided desires of an ignorant consumer base.
Nope - the product is a total loser Im afraid - bring back the range of diet coke they used to have.PLEASE !