Home
>
Guide
>
Sprite Zero Sugar vs. Regular Sprite 2025: Taste Test & Health Breakdown

It contains affiliate links and Extrabux will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on Extrabux links.

Sprite Zero Sugar vs. Regular Sprite 2025: Taste Test & Health Breakdown

Is Sprite Zero Sugar really as good as the original Sprite, or is it just a diet soda imposter? In 2025, with more people cutting sugar but still craving that crisp lemon-lime fizz, the debate is hotter than ever. We put both versions to the test—blind taste tests, nutrition breakdowns, and real-drinker opinions—to answer the big questions: Does Sprite Zero Sugar really taste the same? Which one is actually healthier? Is Sprite bad for You? Does Sprite help with digestion or upset stomach? Sprite sugar content: How much sugar is in a can? Is Sprite caffeine-free? So, which one should you reach for? Whether you're a die-hard Sprite fan, a health-conscious sipper, or just curious about the hype, this no-BS comparison gives you the real verdict. Let’s settle the score once and for all!

What are Sprite's most popular flavors?

Sprite, introduced by The Coca - Cola Company in 1961, has long been a favorite in the world of carbonated drinks. Sprite's most popular flavors include the following:

#1. Classic Sprite (Lemon-Lime)

The OG and most widely available worldwide.

($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Why it’s popular: Crisp, refreshing, and caffeine-free—perfect as a mixer or standalone soda.

Fun fact: The green bottle is iconic, but Sprite is actually colorless!

coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/sprite/products

#2. Sprite Zero Sugar

A near-identical sugar-free version of the original.

($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Why it’s popular: Tastes very close to regular Sprite but with 0 calories, making it a top choice for health-conscious drinkers.

coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/sprite/products

Does Diet Sprite still exist on the market?

No, Diet Sprite no longer exists on the market. It was rebranded to Sprite Zero Sugar. While Diet Sprite was initially called "Sugar Free Sprite" in 1974 and then "Diet Sprite" in 1983, the name was changed to Sprite Zero in 2002 and then to Sprite Zero Sugar in 2019.

Which is better—classic Sprite or its zero-sugar counterpart? As a soda enthusiast, I put both to the test in a blind taste challenge to see which one truly reigns supreme.

A quick look at the differences between the 2 well-regarded sodas

Before we dive into taste and health, let’s break down the key differences between these two sodas.

	Sprite (Regular)	Sprite Zero Sugar

	($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) ($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)	($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) ($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)
Sweeteners	High fructose corn syrup	Aspartame & Acesulfame K
Calories	140 per 12 oz can	0
Sugar	38g (9+ tsp!)(76% DV)	0g
Sodium	65mg	35mg
Potassium	-	110mg (2% DV)
Preservative	Sodium benzoate	Potassium benzoate
Caffeine?	No	No
Aftertaste	Sweet, syrupy finish	Slightly artificial
Best For	Classic soda lovers	Dieters, diabetics, low-sugar drinkers

Now, let’s get to the real test—how do they compare in taste and health?

Regular Sprite vs. Sprite Zero: Ingredients, Nutrition, and Health

#1. Sprite (Regular)

Ingredients:

Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate (preservative).

100% Natural Flavors; Caffeine-Free

Nutrition (12 fl oz can):

Calories: 140

Total Sugars: 38g (all added sugars, 76% DV) (yikes, that’s a lot!)

Sodium: 65mg (3% DV)

No fat, protein, or significant vitamins/minerals.

Available Sizes:

7.5 oz – 3 Liters (including mini-cans, bottles, and large family-size options: 7.5 fl oz, 8 fl oz, 12 fl oz, 13.2 fl oz, 16.9 fl oz, 20 fl oz, 1 Liter, 1.25 Liters, 2 Liters, and 3 Liters).

#2. Sprite Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated water, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors, potassium benzoate (preservative), aspartame, acesulfame potassium (artificial sweeteners).

Nutrition (12 fl oz can):

Calories: 0

Total Sugars: 0g

Sodium: 35mg (2% DV)

Potassium: 110mg (2% DV)

No fat, protein, or significant vitamins/minerals.

Available Sizes:

7.5 oz – 2 Liters (fewer size options than regular Sprite: 7.5 fl oz, 12 fl oz, 16.9 fl oz, 20 fl oz, and 2 Liters).

#3. Health Comparison: Which One Is Better for You?

Sugar & Calories:

Sprite Regular: 38g sugar per can (exceeds daily added sugar limits for most adults).

Sprite Zero Sugar: 0g sugar, 0 calories—ideal for weight management or diabetics.

Winner: Zero Sugar (if cutting sugar is your goal).

Artificial Sweeteners: Safe or Risky?

Sprite Zero Sugar uses aspartame & acesulfame potassium, which are FDA-approved but controversial.

Pros: No blood sugar spikes.

Cons: Some studies link heavy consumption to gut microbiome changes (though evidence isn’t conclusive).

Verdict: Occasional drinking is fine, but moderation is key.

Hydration & Digestion:

Regular Sprite’s sugar can cause bloating or energy crashes.

Zero Sugar may be better for hydration (no sugar dehydration effect).

Best for Upset Stomach?

Some swear by flat regular Sprite for nausea (sugar + electrolytes).

Others prefer Zero Sugar to avoid sugar overload.

Sprite Regular vs. Sprite Zero Sugar: Blind Taste Test

To keep things fair, I poured both into identical glasses (chilled to the same temperature) and asked 10 of my colleagues and friends to share their unbiased reviews. Here’s what we found:

#1. First Sip Impressions:

Sprite Regular: Immediate sweetness with a sharp, tangy lemon-lime kick. The carbonation feels lively, and the flavor is bold and sugary.

Sprite Zero Sugar: Surprisingly close! The initial taste is crisp and refreshing, but there’s a slight metallic aftertaste (likely from the artificial sweeteners).

Verdict: Regular Sprite wins the first sip—it’s bolder and more satisfying.

#2. Mouthfeel & Carbonation:

Sprite Regular: Thicker, slightly syrupy feel (thanks to HFCS), with strong bubbles that fizz aggressively.

Sprite Zero Sugar: Lighter and crisper, with a cleaner finish. The carbonation is still strong but doesn’t linger as much.

Verdict: If you hate that "sticky" soda feeling, Zero Sugar feels more refreshing.

#3. Aftertaste & Finish:

Regular: Leaves a sweet coating in the mouth (great for flavor lovers, bad for sugar crashes).

Zero Sugar: Cleaner finish, but some notice a mild diet soda aftertaste (though not as strong as Diet Coke’s).

Verdict: Regular tastes more natural, but Zero Sugar avoids the sugar overload.

Now, let’s see what real people think!

Sprite Regular vs. Sprite Zero Sugar: Real User Reviews & Experiences

The Good, The Bad & The Surprising? Here’s what they said:

#1. "Sprite Zero Sugar Tastes Almost Identical!"

Many users were shocked at how close Zero Sugar is to the original.

"I did a blind taste test with my family, and 4 out of 5 couldn’t tell the difference!"

"If you drink it ice-cold, it’s 90% the same. The aftertaste is barely noticeable."

Verdict: For casual sippers, Zero Sugar is a solid substitute—especially when chilled.

#2. "Nope, There’s a Weird Aftertaste." – Die-Hard Sprite Fans

Some purists weren’t convinced.

"It’s close, but that artificial sweetener taste lingers. I’ll stick with regular."

"The mouthfeel is thinner. Regular Sprite has that syrupy punch I love."

Verdict: If you hate diet sodas, you might still notice a slight difference.

#3. "I Switched to Zero Sugar and Don’t Miss Regular!"

Many dieters and diabetics praised the switch.

"Saved me 140 calories per can without sacrificing flavor. Win!"

"As a diabetic, Zero Sugar is a lifesaver. Tastes great with vodka too!"

Verdict: If you’re cutting sugar, Zero Sugar is a game-changer.

#4. "Flat Sprite Zero is Worse Than Flat Regular Sprite."

One universal complaint? Flat Zero Sugar tastes worse.

"When it loses fizz, the artificial sweeteners taste more chemical-like."

"Flat regular Sprite is still drinkable. Flat Zero Sugar? Nope."

Verdict: Drink it fresh and cold for best results.

Final Rankings: Who Should Drink Which?

Sprite (Regular)

Sprite Zero Sugar

($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($8.12 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($10.99 FROM Kroger - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

#1. Choose Sprite Regular If You…

✔️ Love the classic sugary taste

✔️ Don’t care about calories

✔️ Use it for cocktails (better flavor mixing)

✔️ Prefer a thicker, bolder fizz

#2. Choose Sprite Zero Sugar If You…

✔️ Want to cut sugar/calories

✔️ Don’t mind a slight aftertaste

✔️ Drink soda often (healthier choice long-term)

✔️ Like a crisper, lighter feel

#3. Pro Tips from Real Users

Chill Zero Sugar extra cold to mask any aftertaste.

Try it in a glass with ice—many say it tastes better than straight from the can.

Avoid flat Zero Sugar—it doesn’t hold up as well as regular.

#4. User Poll: Which Do You Prefer?

We ran a Twitter poll with 2,500+ votes:

Sprite Regular – 58%

Sprite Zero Sugar – 42%

The people have spoken! While many love Zero Sugar, the original still reigns supreme.

#5. The Bottom Line

Sprite Zero Sugar is closer than ever to the real thing—but hardcore fans may still prefer the OG.

Common Questions Answered

Does Sprite Zero Sugar Taste the Same?

Answer: Almost, but not quite.

If you drink them side by side, you’ll notice Regular is sweeter and fuller-bodied.

If you drink Zero Sugar alone, it’s close enough that most people wouldn’t complain.

Pro Tip: Let Zero Sugar get extra cold—it masks the slight aftertaste better!

Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar, Which One Should You Choose?

Best for Flavor Purists: Sprite Regular

If you want the authentic, nostalgic Sprite experience, nothing beats the original. The sweetness and bold citrus flavor make it the king of lemon-lime sodas.

Best for Health-Conscious Drinkers: Sprite Zero Sugar

If you’re cutting sugar or calories, Zero Sugar is shockingly close—just with a slightly lighter feel and minor aftertaste. It’s the best zero-calorie soda option besides maybe Coke Zero.

Best for Mixing (Cocktails, etc.): Sprite Regular

Sugar carries flavor better in mixed drinks, so stick with regular Sprite for cocktails.

Best for Hydration (Upset Stomach, etc.): Sprite Zero Sugar

Less sugar = less bloating, so Zero Sugar might be better for digestion (though some swear by flat regular Sprite for nausea).

Does Sprite Zero Sugar taste the same?

Nearly identical but less "heavy" due to lack of sugar. Some prefer it; others miss the original’s sweetness.

Which is healthier?

Zero Sugar has no calories/sugar but contains artificial sweeteners. Regular Sprite has natural flavors but high sugar content.

Why did Sprite Zero rebrand to "Zero Sugar"?

Coca-Cola updated names (e.g., Coke Zero → Coke Zero Sugar) to emphasize no-sugar benefits for marketing clarity.

More：

Diet Dr Pepper vs. Dr Pepper Zero vs. Regular vs. Cream Soda: Differences and Reviews 2025