How to Make Zero Sugar and Diet Soda Taste Better

Co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Switching to zero sugar soda can be a smart choice for some, but the difference in taste often makes people go back to regular soda—so how can you make it taste better? Now, the taste of diet and zero sugar beverages can’t necessarily be “fixed” (thanks to artificial sweeteners), but it can be altered. From candy to juices to additional flavors, we’ve got the best and tastiest ways you can make zero sugar soda taste better. Grab your straws and favorite diet beverage, and let’s sip!

Things You Should Know

Balance out the taste of artificial sugar by adding in a mint candy, lime juice, a splash of orange juice, or some lemonade.
Elevate the sweetness using flavored syrup and some half and half, or cherry juice and a maraschino cherry.
To make the soda taste less sweet, add a handful of peanuts or a shot of espresso.

1

Drop in a mint candy.

A cool mint flavor can give zero sugar soda an extra kick. Zero sugar and diet beverages use artificial sweeteners to substitute the high fructose corn syrup or sucrose found in regular sodas.^{[1]
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Research source} Adding mint flavor to a diet drink won’t make the drink taste minty, but it can help combat that artificial taste. With many people having breath mints in their bags already, this is the perfect hack for on the go!
- Steer clear of Mentos when trying this hack unless you want an epic soda geyser in your living room.
- Try using a sugar free mint to keep your drink sugar free.

2

Squeeze in lime.

A bit of lime juice can add some zing to your drink. Zero sugar can have a strong aftertaste, especially if you’re not used to it. Some soda fanatics like tossing a lime into their Coke Zero or other diet beverages to combat the artificial sweetener’s taste.^{[2]
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- Use a fresh lime or opt for lime juice concentrate; either will do!

3

Add a few pumps of flavored syrup.

Peach, vanilla, raspberry, and coconut can spruce up any diet beverage. There are hundreds upon hundreds of flavored syrups on the market. From fruity to sweet, there’s something for everyone, and all you have to do is pump 2 squirts for every 20 oz (591.47 ml). Check out these tasty combinations:^{[3]
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- Diet or Zero Sugar Coke + Pineapple and Raspberry
- Diet or Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper + Peach and Vanilla
- Diet or Zero Sugar Sprite + Coconut and Strawberry
- Diet or Zero Sugar Mountain Dew + Grapefruit and Lime

4

Stir in some half and half.

The creaminess of dairy can add a float-like foam to zero sugar soda. Dirty Diet Cokes are famously made with half and half and coconut syrup, but the syrup can be ditched to keep a more “classic” cola flavor.
- Try this hack with diet and sugar-free root beers for a “healthier” spin on root beer floats.

5

Plop in a maraschino cherry.

Maraschino cherries can elevate zero sugar colas. Missing the nostalgia you’d find in a Cherry Coca-Cola? Try adding a maraschino cherry, and maybe even a bit of cherry juice, to a Coke Zero to substitute a childhood favorite.
- Looking for a more grown-up version? Pair your cherry and Diet Coke with some vodka for a spicy cherry cola.^{[4]
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6

Splash in some orange juice.

A citrus kick may be just what your Coke Zero needs. Although this combination seems bizarre, many soda lovers swear by it. The natural sugars in the orange juice mask the artificial sweeteners in the Coke Zero, giving the drink more body.
- Try mixing Fanta Zero and Coke Zero for an even bubblier experience.

7

Add a handful of peanuts.

The saltiness from the peanuts can add a savory taste to Coke Zero. This old-fashioned southern treat combines sweet, salty, fizzy, and crunchy for an indulgent experience.^{[5]
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Research source} Drop a snack pack of peanuts into a glass of zero sugar cola to see what Southerners are raving about!

8

Drip in some espresso.

The bold flavor of coffee can add body to Coke Zero. Adding coffee or espresso to cola beverages has become popular recently (so popular that Coca-Cola released a Zero Sugar Coca-Cola with Coffee in 2021).^{[6]
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Research source} Play around with ratios to see what buzzes your taste buds–we recommend starting with 1:1 and working from there.

9

Pour in a glass of lemonade.

Light lemonade and zero sugar soda pack a surprising punch together. This pool-side combination can be described as a “fizzy Arnold Palmer,” especially if you use Diet Mr. Pibb or Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper.^{[7]
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