Pepsi ONE (so named because it contains one calorie per eight-fluid ounce (230 ml) serving) is a sugar-free cola, marketed by PepsiCo in the United States as an alternative to regular Pepsi and Diet Pepsi.

On June 30, 1998, the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. PepsiCo responded within one hour, announcing the introduction of Pepsi ONE (which reached store shelves the following October). This new variety was based upon an earlier product (sold in other countries) called Pepsi Max, but it featured a formula and flavor profile developed specifically for the U.S. market.

The launch of Pepsi ONE included an advertising campaign featuring actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. and the slogan "just one calorie." Subsequently, comedian Tom Green appeared as the spokesperson.

Formula

As in Pepsi Max, the aforementioned acesulfame potassium was combined with aspartame to provide the beverage's sweetness. Some consumers claimed that this resulted in a better taste than that of other diet colas (most of which were sweetened with aspartame alone).

After several years of declining sales, a new formula was introduced in early 2005, replacing aspartame with Splenda brand sucralose. (Acesulfame potassium remained the secondary sweetener.) This change was accompanied by new packaging and a new advertising campaign. The same year, Pepsi's long-time rival launched Coca-Cola Zero (sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium) and Diet Coke with Splenda.

The current Pepsi ONE ingredients are: carbonated water, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate (preservative), sucralose (Splenda brand), caffeine, citric acid, and acesulfame potassium.

A can of Pepsi One includes 55.5 mg of caffeine, more than in one can of Mountain Dew.

References

• Kotabe, M. and Helsen, K. Global Marketing Management, John Wiley & Sons, 2004. ISBN 0-471-23062-6
• American Beverage Association Caffeine Content http://www.ameribev.org/health/caffeinecontent.asp Accessed on: 2006-06-19

See also

• List of Pepsi types

External links

• Pepsi ONE
• PepsiCo