Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Barcode 04965802

Scanned 58 times by Nomi users

Yes — Diet Coke is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed additives according to NOVA, including aspartame (an artificial sweetener), potassium benzoate (a preservative), caramel color (industrial colorant), natural flavors (industrial flavoring), and phosphoric and citric acids used as acidity regulators. Presence of any such industrial additives classifies the product as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

carbonated water

A basic beverage ingredient consisting of dissolved CO2 in water, providing fizz without flavor additives.
UPF

caramel color

A food coloring produced by controlled heating of carbohydrates with acids, alkalis, or ammonium compounds; used to impart brown color in many beverages and foods.
UPF

aspartame

A low-calorie artificial sweetener (dipeptide) added to foods and drinks to provide sweetness.
UPF

phosphoric acid

A clear, colorless inorganic acid used as a food acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in beverages; common in cola formulations.
UPF

potassium benzoate

A potassium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and maintain flavor stability.
UPF

natural flavors

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to add or enhance aroma and taste; can include essential oils, extracts, or other natural flavor compounds.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

caffeine. phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine no calories
OK

no sugar

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Common questions about Diet Coke

Is Diet Coke ultra-processed?

Yes — Diet Coke by Coca-Cola is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed additives according to NOVA, including aspartame (an artificial sweetener), potassium benzoate (a preservative), caramel color (industrial colorant), natural flavors (industrial flavoring), and phosphoric and citric acids used as acidity regulators. Presence of any such industrial additives classifies the product as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Diet Coke are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Diet Coke as ultra-processed markers: caramel color, aspartame, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate, natural flavors. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.