7 Surprising Milestones in the History of Zero-Calorie Drinks

The Aspartame Revolution

The introduction of aspartame in the 1980s revolutionized the zero-calorie drink industry. Aspartame, discovered in 1965 by chemist James M. Schlatter, offered a sweeter taste compared to previous artificial sweeteners, with fewer of the bitter aftertastes. Approved by the FDA in 1981, aspartame quickly became the sweetener of choice for many zero-calorie beverages, including sodas, flavored waters, and teas. Its widespread adoption was a game-changer, as it allowed manufacturers to produce drinks that closely mimicked the taste of their sugary counterparts. This innovation not only expanded the market for zero-calorie drinks but also solidified their place in the beverage industry.