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Pepsi Max

Pepsi Max is a sugar-free, low-calorie cola soft drink marketed by PepsiCo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pepsi Max is a sugar-free, low-calorie cola soft drink marketed by PepsiCo. It was first launched in 1993 and is sold in multiple markets under the Pepsi Max name, while in North America it was later renamed Pepsi Zero Sugar.

History

Pepsi Max was introduced in 1993 and was initially positioned as a sugar-free alternative to Pepsi. Sources describe it as first launching in international markets before later being renamed in North America.

Brand names by market

The product name differs by region. It is sold as Pepsi Max in many countries, as Pepsi Zero Sugar in North America, and as Pepsi Black in some markets.

Formulation

Pepsi Max is marketed as a zero-sugar cola, and ingredient lists vary by country. Official product information for the UK shows sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K.

Market position

Pepsi Max is part of PepsiCo’s broader cola portfolio and competes with other sugar-free cola products. Its branding emphasizes maximum taste without sugar.

Key facts

  • Pepsi Max is a cola beverage marketed as a sugar-free alternative to regular Pepsi.
  • The product was first released in 1993.
  • PepsiCo uses the Pepsi Max name in several international markets, while North America uses Pepsi Zero Sugar.
  • Ingredient formulations vary by country, but the drink is generally marketed as zero sugar and low calorie.
  • The brand is also known as Pepsi Black in some markets.
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Canadian context

Pepsi Max was sold in Canada under the Pepsi Max name after its North American launch, before PepsiCo later switched the product to Pepsi Zero Sugar in the region.[12]

Frequently asked questions

What is Pepsi Max?
Pepsi Max is a sugar-free cola soft drink produced by PepsiCo.
When was Pepsi Max introduced?
It was first released in 1993.
Is Pepsi Max the same as Pepsi Zero Sugar?
In North America, Pepsi Max was renamed Pepsi Zero Sugar; the name Pepsi Max is still used in several other markets.
Does Pepsi Max contain sugar?
It is marketed as sugar-free.
What is Pepsi Max called in some countries?
It is known as Pepsi Black in some markets.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepsi_Zero_Sugar
    Supports: States that Pepsi Zero Sugar is also known as Pepsi Max and Pepsi Black, and that it was first released in 1993 as an alternative to Diet Pepsi.
  2. Snack History — https://www.snackhistory.com/pepsi-max/
    Supports: Gives Pepsi Max introduction date, manufacturer, alternate names, and international launch details.
  3. PepsiCo UK — https://www.pepsi.co.uk/products/pepsi-max
    Supports: Official UK product page describing Pepsi Max as a maximum taste, no sugar cola and listing ingredients.
  4. Cola-Zero.com — https://www.cola-zero.com/brands/pepsi
    Supports: States North American renaming from Diet Pepsi Max to Pepsi Max and later to Pepsi Zero Sugar, including Canada.