Can You Taste a Difference in Utah Between Zero and Diet Soda?

McDonalds just announced they are offering Dr. Pepper Zero at the drive thru. This is exciting news for those in Utah who are jumping on the zero-soda bandwagon. It might make you wonder, what is the difference between zero and diet drinks? 

The Difference Between Diet and Zero Soda 

Diet drinks are well established and taste a little different from their full sugar originals. This is because they contain aspartame instead of sugar. Zero drinks are made to taste closer to the original flavor.

For this reason, zero sodas use a combination of sweeteners. The difference is slight and some people claim they taste the same as the diet versions. Others feel there is a huge difference that they could easily identify in a taste test.

The difference may lie in how clearly a person can taste the amount of aspartame in a drink. This isn't the only reason zero drinks have grown in popularity.

This is How You  Maintain a Popular Brand While Introducing Something New

In the last few decades, diet drinks have became popular especially with women. This is good for having a loyal following that purchases those drinks. It is not good if you want to expand sugarless drinks to men and younger consumers.

This is where zero sodas come in. No need to lose your current fans when you can just develop a new sounding version with a slightly different taste. Zero sodas are gaining in popularity and this solution is working well.

Read More: Heavy Soda Could Be The Next Big Thing in Utah

Unfortunately there are only so many spots on a soda dispenser. It will be interesting to see if more places follow McDonald's lead and offer zero drinks and what flavors will get pushed off the dispenser if this trend continues.