In this episode of Under the Lens, we break down the high-stakes rivalry between Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. We examine why Diet Coke was originally launched in 1982 as a standalone flavor experience rather than a replica of the original formula. We also explore the psychological phenomenon of "gender contamination" that prompted the 2005 release of Coke Zero—a product specifically designed to reach male consumers by ditching the "diet" label in favor of "zero sugar" branding.

We dive into the molecular details, comparing Diet Coke’s crisp, citrusy profile against the "velvety" mouthfeel of Zero Sugar, which uses a synergistic blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium to mimic the "Original Taste". Plus, we explain the stimulant gap: why Diet Coke packs roughly 35% more caffeine than its zero-sugar counterpart. Finally, we cover the 2024 global shift to include Stevia and what the latest science says about how these sweeteners actually interact with your gut health and metabolism.

In this episode, we put the "cleanest" names in Indian nutrition under the microscope. We break down the biochemistry of cold-processed grass-fed whey from the US versus the strict dairy standards of Irish-sourced protein. We also weigh the cost-to-benefit ratio of paying a premium for monk fruit and dates over traditional sweeteners.