We have good news and bad news.
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| | | The promise of diet sodas is alluring: Cut down on added sugar — and the subsequent health issues — without giving up those diabolically delicious drinks you love. But could something that sounds this good really be true? | | As with many a nutrition question, the answer isn't a neat yes or no. Below, Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian at Healthline, explains. | | | | | | | | Psst: This question originally came to us through a Reddit AMA that Lisa hosted late last year. Yes, the Healthline crew is on Reddit! Keep an eye out for news of future AMAs with our medical experts. | Hope this helps!
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
April 10, 2025 • 3 min read | | | |  | | | | Q: | How bad are diet sodas and sugar replacements? I drink Coke Zero at the movie theater and put Splenda in my coffee/tea. Am I making the right choice? | | | A: | I think the research that links added sugar to negative health outcomes is stronger than the research that links artificial sweeteners (which are sugar- and calorie-free) to negative health outcomes. So I don't think you're necessarily creating another problem for yourself by drinking the occasional diet soda and adding some Splenda to your morning beverage.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six artificial sweeteners: saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and advantame. According to the FDA's rigorous testing, there's no evidence that these sweeteners cause cancer or other health issues.
That said, I still suggest limiting your consumption of artificial sweeteners. (The FDA has also set an acceptable daily intake for each of the approved sweeteners.) Even though they're sugar- and calorie-free, they don't contain any beneficial nutrients — vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, etc. Drinking a diet soda, for example, doesn't provide you with any nutritional benefits.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a 2023 systematic review that found that long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners did not lead to weight loss or decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Looking for yummy drinks that are free from added sugar and artificial sweeteners? This list can get you started: | | | | | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | |  | | | | What Happens When You Stop Fighting Your Food Cravings? | | Learn about the concept of the "last supper syndrome" and the importance of including favorite "trigger foods" in regular meals. | | | | | | | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🫘 Early signs and symptoms of kidney disease. These can be easy to miss. | | 🩺 What to know about immunotherapy. This type of therapy is used to treat many conditions. | | ❓ Does osteoporosis ever qualify as a disability? Sometimes, but not always. Here's what you need to know. | | 🥙 6 type 2 diabetes-friendly meals for one. With a little planning, you can make just the right amount of food while managing your blood sugar levels. | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | | Email nutritionedition@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | San Pellegrino.️ | | | | |
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