Pepsi US to bring back aspartame as sweetener

Posted by AFN Staff Writers on 13th July 2016

Soft DrinkPepsi in the US has decided to re-introduce aspartame sweetened soft drink after axing it a year ago.

In August 2015, Pepsi Co US decided to remove the artificial sweetener from its diet Pepsi beverages after it said consumers wanted the ingredient removed.

Yet after experiencing declining sales since the decision, Pepsi has decided to re-introduce aspartame as part of a re-launch of its sugar-free offerings in the US.

American customers will now be able to purchase Diet Pepsi with aspartame in ‘retro’ packaging, Diet Pepsi without aspartame and Pepsi Zero, previously called Pepsi Max. Pepsi has decided to change the name of Pepsi Max to Pepsi Zero to help communicate that the beverage has zero calories.

No plans to change Pepsi Max in Australia

Australian Food News contacted Pepsi Co Australia and New Zealand and a spokesperson confirmed that there are no plans to change Pepsi Max to Pepsi Zero within Australia.

Pepsi Max sold in Australia contains aspartame and the spokesperson confirmed there are no plans to change the beverage in Australia.