Are zero sugar drinks OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
Quick answer
Not under 5, and not as an everyday drink after that. Zero sugar means zero sugar. It doesn't mean recommended. Experts advise against drinks with low-calorie sweeteners for young children.1
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Skip | No. |
| 1 to 4 years | Skip | Expert guidance says no low-calorie sweeteners before age 5.1 |
| 5 to 10 years | Occasionally | The 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines don't recommend low-calorie sweeteners for kids. Better than a sugary drink, but water and milk come first.2 |
| 11 to 18 years | Occasionally | Better than a sugary drink, but water and milk come first. Diet colas also have caffeine. |
How much sugar?
Dashed line: the American Heart Association limit of 25 g of added sugar for the whole day, ages 2 to 18. Typical amounts, rounded. Brands vary.
Good to know
- Low-calorie sweeteners include stevia, sucralose, aspartame and monk fruit. Check the ingredients with our label checker.
- Many zero-sugar drinks are acidic, which can wear tooth enamel when sipped all day.8
- Full disclosure: our sponsor makes a zero-sugar kids' drink sweetened with stevia. That's why we say it plainly here: under 5, skip it. See From our sponsor.
Try instead
Plain water or plain sparkling water, with fruit slices for flavor.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Is diet soda OK for kids?
Experts don't recommend it. Kids under 5 shouldn't have drinks with low-calorie sweeteners, and the Dietary Guidelines don't recommend them for older kids either. If an older child has one, keep it occasional.
Are sugar free drinks OK for toddlers?
Unsweetened ones, yes: water, plain sparkling water and plain milk. Drinks with stevia, sucralose or other low-calorie sweeteners aren't recommended before age 5. More on our toddler drinks page.