Is Diet Coke good for weight loss?

Diet Coke contains no calories or added sugar, which can be beneficial for weight management compared to sugary beverages. However, it is an ultra-processed drink, which may not align with a whole-foods approach to weight loss.

Is Diet Coke good for people with diabetes?

Diet Coke contains no added sugar, making it a sugar-free alternative to regular soda. This can be a suitable option for people with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels, but it is still an ultra-processed beverage.

Is Diet Coke ultra-processed?

Yes, Diet Coke is classified as NOVA Class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification contributes to a penalty on its FoodScore.

Does Diet Coke have any nutritional value?

Diet Coke provides no calories, protein, fiber, or saturated fat. It contains a small amount of sodium (9mg per 100g) but otherwise offers no significant nutritional benefits.

beverage · Serving 8 fl oz

Diet Coke

Diet Coke scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. It contains no calories, protein, fiber, added sugar, or saturated fat, but is penalized for being ultra-processed.

Poor

FoodScore / 100

Score breakdown

What it has going for it

Bonuses

No significant positive contributors.

What brings the score down

Penalties

Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Based on our published methodology (USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025 + NIH DRI).

Nutrition facts

Nutrient	Per 100g	% DV
Calories	0 kcal	—
Total fat	0 g	0%
Saturated fat	0 g	0%
Trans fat	0 g	—
Fiber	0 g	0%
Protein	0 g	0%
Added sugar	0 g	0%
Sodium	9 mg	0%
Potassium	0 mg	0%
Calcium	0 mg	0%
Iron	0 mg	0%
Magnesium	0 mg	0%
Phosphorus	0 mg	0%
Zinc	0 mg	0%
Vitamin A	0 %	0%
Vitamin C	0 %	0%
Vitamin D	0 %	0%
Vitamin E	0 %	0%
Vitamin K	0 %	0%
Vitamin B12	0 %	0%
Folate	0 %	0%
Riboflavin	0 %	0%
Omega-3	0 g	—

Ingredients: Carbonated water, caramel color, aspartame, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate, natural flavors, citric acid, caffeine

Eat this instead

Higher-scoring foods in the same category.

Soy milk (unsweetened)

beverage

51Decent

Oat milk

beverage

49Decent

Almond milk (unsweetened)

beverage

48Decent

Frequently asked questions

Is Diet Coke good for weight loss?: Diet Coke contains no calories or added sugar, which can be beneficial for weight management compared to sugary beverages. However, it is an ultra-processed drink, which may not align with a whole-foods approach to weight loss.
Is Diet Coke good for people with diabetes?: Diet Coke contains no added sugar, making it a sugar-free alternative to regular soda. This can be a suitable option for people with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels, but it is still an ultra-processed beverage.
Is Diet Coke ultra-processed?: Yes, Diet Coke is classified as NOVA Class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification contributes to a penalty on its FoodScore.
Does Diet Coke have any nutritional value?: Diet Coke provides no calories, protein, fiber, or saturated fat. It contains a small amount of sodium (9mg per 100g) but otherwise offers no significant nutritional benefits.

Sources: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Nutrition Facts label

Updated 4/19/2026.