Diet Coke has been rebranded as the "fridge cigarette" in a viral TikTok trend, capturing the attention of Generation Z and sparking discussions about the beverage's cultural significance. "Overheard someone call Diet Coke a 'fridge cigarette' and nothing's been more true to me since," declared TikTok user @reallyrachelreno in a now-viral video with over 3.5 million views, as reported by the New York Post.
Her sentiment resonated with many users who found the comparison apt, treating Diet Coke as a refreshing pick-me-up akin to a smoke break. One commenter confessed: "I legit never ever drink soda. Have never. Recently though? Obsessed with my daily Diet Coke. Idk what's going on..." Another simply wrote: "I felt that in my soul!" expressing a deep connection to the 'fridge cigarette' concept.
"Just read where someone referred to a Diet Coke as a 'fridge cigarette' and I haven't read anything truer since," stated TikTok user @thejessiesimpson in a video while sipping a Diet Coke at her office desk, further solidifying the trend's appeal among young adults.
In her video, which she captioned "Time for a crispy ciggy in the summer," @reallyrachelreno elaborated on the comparison between sodas and various types of cigarettes. According to her analysis, Diet Coke is equivalent to Parliaments, regular Coke to Marlboro Reds, Coke Zero to American Spirits, and full-fat Coke in a glass bottle is likened to a cigar. The term "crispy" is used to describe a Diet Coke chilled to perfection, with bonus points if served with pebbled ice and a lemon wedge.
"Gen Z is obsessed with Diet Coke. What is now being dubbed as 'fridge cigarettes' has earned a cultural cachet without Coca-Cola having to do anything... but focus on delivering on taste and product," summed up Andrea Hernández, a writer for Snaxshot, in a newsletter.
However, experts warn that Diet Coke comes with its own health risks beyond caffeine jitters. "Diet Coke, like other carbonated beverages, is highly acidic," Dr. Raj Juneja told The Sun. He added: "The acidity of Diet Coke can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time." Dr. Juneja further explained: "That weakened enamel can become more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity."
Orthodontist Dr. Khaled Kasem advised caution when consuming acidic drinks. He suggested sipping Diet Coke through a straw and chasing it with water to minimize damage to tooth enamel. Artificial sweeteners present in Diet Coke have also raised concerns among health professionals.
"The World Health Organization recently warned that artificial sweeteners are not an effective tool for weight loss," the New York Post reported. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. "Insulin is released by our body in response to foods... and it helps those nutrients get into our body," Dr. Matthew Snelson noted to The Sun. He clarified: "There's no evidence that the types of sweeteners used in Diet Coke (specifically: aspartame, acesulfame K) affect insulin."
Despite these concerns, many consumers continue to enjoy Diet Coke as part of their daily routine. "Our brand's beverages are perfectly safe and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle," a Coca-Cola spokesperson told The Sun. The company appears to be leaning into the nostalgia associated with Diet Coke, embracing its renewed popularity among younger audiences.
The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.