Coke preparing to launch another no-calorie soda

ATLANTA -- Coca-Cola Co. will launch a no-calorie version of its trademark soft drink, called Coca-Cola Zero, in June.

The drink will be sweetened partly with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Aspartame is a key ingredient in Diet Coke, but a spokesman for the Atlanta-based company said Coca-Cola Zero will have a unique taste.

The new drink will have its own marketing campaign.

With Coca-Cola Zero, there will be a half-dozen versions of Coca-Cola. There are also several varieties of Diet Coke, including the new Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda.

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc. also has several varieties of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, including a one-calorie cola called Pepsi One, sweetened with Splenda. A spokesman said Pepsi does not have any plans for a zero-calorie Pepsi.

Officials at both companies have said consumers are increasingly interested in variety and they are not worried about the different drinks causing confusion. ''We work hard to minimize that by making sure all of our brands have distinct graphics and marketing," Coke spokesman Scott Williamson said.

Shares of Coca-Cola rose 14 cents to close at $41.60 on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has been trading at a 52-week range of $38.30 to $53.50.