Tokuho: Pepsi Special Zero vs. Coca-Cola Plus
Tokuho (トクホ/特保) is the shortened term for Tokutei Hokenyo Shokuhin (特定保険用食品: Food for Specified Health Uses/FOSHU) whose permission the Japanese government grants.
The Tokuho foods are for specified health uses and carry guaranteed benefits compared to others.
Pepsi Special Zero vs. Coca-Cola Plus
In Japan, Coca-Cola and Pepsi both offer government-designated PET bottles of Tokuho cola, respectively named Coca-Cola Plus and Pepsi Special Zero, and each contains the water-soluble dietary fiber called indigestible dextrin.
Since the indigestible dextrin suppresses the fat absorption from the meal and moderates the increase of neutral fat in the blood after eating, Pepsi Special Zero and Coca-Cola Plus are recommended for people with high triglyceride levels.
But specifically, how are these Coke and Pepsi drinks? Today, I will compare the two beverages and give you in-depth information about them.
Price & Volume
First, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of Pepsi Special Zero is 170 yen, and the carbonated drink comes in a 490 ml bottle. On the other hand, Coca-Cola Plus is priced at 192 yen, and its volume is 470 ml. (as of June 29, 2023)
Nutritional Values
Next, here are probably the most important; the nutrition facts. To make it easy for you to compare, I listed the nutritional values of the two in the table below.
| Calories | 0 kcal | 0 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.4 g | 5.2 g |
| – Sugars | 0 g | 0 g |
| – Dietary Fibers | 5.4 g (Indigestible Dextrin: 5 g) | 5.2 g (Indigestible Dextrin: 5 g) |
| Salt Equivalents | 0.04 to 0.12 g | 0.08 g |
| Caffeine | 25 mg | 45 mg |
| Pottasium | About 30 mg | – |
| Phosphorus | About 80 mg | – |
Dosage
If you want to see their benefits, drink one bottle daily during a meal.
Taste
The taste of Pepsi Special Zero is almost the same as regular Pepsi Zero, and Coca-Cola Plus is as easy to drink as Coca-Cola Zero.
Conclusion
So your best option here would be decided according to which cola you like better.
(Reference Pages: Coca-Cola Plus, Suntory Pepsi Special )
