Diet sodas
Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon-Lime
16.9 fl oz
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
Why it scores 44
Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon-Lime scores 44 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 20 points Aspartame: Labels must warn people with phenylketonuria (PKU) because aspartame contains phenylalanine (US and EU). Regulatory
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Potassium benzoate: Benzoates can form small amounts of benzene in drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), especially with heat or light. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better sodas
-
Black Cherry Soda Zero Sugar Zevia LLC · 12 fl oz/355 mL No aspartame · No potassium benzoate Score 76 out of 100 , 32 points higher -
Zero Sugar Soda Cove Not ultra-processed · No aspartame Score 79 out of 100 , 35 points higher -
Mineragua Jarritos Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 56 points higher -
Probiotic soda- lemon lime Humm · 12 fl oz/355 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 75 out of 100 , 31 points higher -
GFuel Power Pellet G Fuel · 16 fl oz/1 PT/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 95 out of 100 , 51 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon-Lime
Ingredients
- Aspartame minus 20 points
- Potassium benzoate minus 7.5 points
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) minus 7.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 1.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 2 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 1.5 points
100 − 56 = 44
Can’t score above 79. Contains aspartame, an ingredient of high concern. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 0 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
Serving: 1 bottle (500 mL)
Ingredients
- CARBONATED WATER
- CITRIC ACID
- POTASSIUM CITRATE
- NATURAL FLAVORS
- POTASSIUM BENZOATE (TO PROTECT TASTE) (moderate concern)
- ASPARTAME (high concern)
- ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (moderate concern)
Label text, as published
CARBONATED WATER, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM CITRATE, NATURAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM BENZOATE (TO PROTECT TASTE), ASPARTAME, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM.
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More diet sodas on GoodSwap
-
Fresca Sparkling Soda Water Grapefruit Citrus Fresca · 12.0 fl oz Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweeteners Score 41 out of 100 Okay -
Diet Dr Pepper Dr Pepper · 355 mL Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains caffeineContains artificial flavors Score 29 out of 100 Poor -
Diet Mountain Dew Mountain Dew · 1 Dye with an EU warning labelContains synthetic dyesUltra-processedContains non-nutritive sweeteners Score 26 out of 100 Poor -
Diet Mountain Dew Mountain Dew · 20 fl oz Dye with an EU warning labelContains synthetic dyesUltra-processedContains non-nutritive sweeteners Score 25 out of 100 Poor -
Grape Soda Zevia · 12 fl oz/355 mL Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweeteners Score 76 out of 100 Good -
Diet Dr Pepper Dr Pepper Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains caffeineContains artificial flavors Score 29 out of 100 Poor
More from Sprite
Sources
-
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 2.3 (aspartame)
“‘contains a source of phenylalanine’ shall appear on the label in cases where aspartame/aspartame-acesulfame salt is designated in the list of ingredients by its specific name.”
eur-lex.europa.eu
-
Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (IARC, WHO and FAO joint news release)
“Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight.”
who.int
-
Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food
“The FDA disagrees with IARC’s conclusion that these studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans.”
fda.gov
-
“Aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure”
efsa.europa.eu
-
Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)
“The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org