[465 K-Trend] Zero-Calorie Obsession Sweeps South Korea

   Have you ever heard the saying, “If it tastes good, it is zero calories?” This is a common joke in Korea that is attached to delicious but high-calorie foods. Of course, the more you eat, the more you gain weight. However, the “zero-calories” mentioned in the joke does not actually mean that there are no calories. It is correct to see it as meaning that when the pleasure of eating is enjoyable, you should enjoy it without worrying about high calories. Recently, the joke about “zero-calorie” foods has become a reality, as high-calorie foods such as soda and ice cream are now available in zero-calorie versions. Where did this zero-calorie craze start? Additionally, do zero-calorie foods actually have zero side effects? Through this article, The Dongguk Post works to provide a comprehensive overview of zero-calorie foods.

The beginnings of the zero-calorie craze

   Zero-calorie sodas began to be released back in the 2000s, to overcome the negative perception they can cause obesity and diabetes due to excessive sugar. Zero-calorie drinks contain various alternative sweeteners and flavorings instead of ingredients that provide calories. Saccharin and aspartame, both artificial sweeteners that are much sweeter than sugar, are commonly used in place of sugar to make zero-calorie products.

   However, zero-calorie drinks were not loved as soon as they were released. This is because many consumers felt uncomfortable with the taste of them. Many responded that it had “insufficient carbonation” and “tastes very different from the original product.” This was because the substitute sweetener did not taste like sugar. Therefore, companies constantly change their products to make the taste as similar as possible to the original product.

   There are various analyses on how the zero food craze was ignited. However, the zero food craze probably started due to a combination of factors such as the company’s strategy to reduce the taste difference between the original product and the zero product, the MZ generation’s awareness of health, and frequent exposure to zero-calorie drinks on social media. Currently, the range of zero-calorie products is expanding such as snacks, ice cream, sauces, and hangover cures.

The truth about zero-calorie products 

   Zero-calorie drinks are mainly sought after by people who are on a diet or can not consume sugar for health reasons. Do zero-calorie drinks have any side effects? First, we need to find out about the actual calories of zero-calorie drinks. In fact, zero-calorie drinks may not actually be zero calories. The Korean Food Sanitation Act allows drinks with less than 4 kcal per 100ml to be labeled as “zero calories.” Because the calorie content is so low, you would have to consume an excessive amount to notice a significant impact on your calorie intake. For example, Coca-Cola Zero generally has 0.24 kcal per 100ml, so even if you consume a 1.5L bottle, it only contains 3.6 kcal.

   It is important to follow the recommended amount of artificial sweeteners. In the case of aspartame, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained that “an average adult would need to consume over 55 small cans of Zero Cola in a single day to exceed the recommended daily intake of aspartame. However, we need to focus on the phrase “excessive consumption may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.” that can be easily checked when purchasing zero-sugar products. The substitute sugars have side effects such as headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when consumed in excess. In addition, studies suggest that zero-calorie drinks may not be effective for long-term weight loss. Some research indicates that the body might compensate for reduced calorie intake from artificial sweeteners by increasing energy intake, ultimately leading to no weight loss benefit. Therefore, our recognition that they are helpful for weight control, low in calories, and relatively healthy because they are sugar-free is all wrong.

   Zero-calorie products are rapidly expanding in modern society to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers, leading to the launch of all sorts of zero-calorie products such as zero-calorie ice creams. However, zero-calorie drinks can not be a perfect alternative to healthy foods. Beware of the zero-calorie trap. It might be the sweetest deal you will ever make, but it is still a deal.