As one of the PPs who loves it, I’m always surprised by the people who think that has anything to do with calories.

I really do not know, but I know when I drank it, I craved it. Now - almost 2 decades later, I find it awful tasting. It is more than the caffeine. Maybe it’s just the habit.

We need to start a conversation next about Diet Dr. Pepper..............

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand it, either. Pure chemical taste. I would rather have a real Coke once a month than a Diet Coke every day.

Coke is a completely different drink, Diet Coke is New Coke. I like Diet Coke and don't like Coke Zero or regular Coke. I get real sugar one sometimes for cooking short ribs.

Oh, OK. I must not like regular Coke then, because you don’t like it. (?)

huh. You compared Diet Coke to Coke, it's like comparing Coke to Pepsi. Different not just because of the sweetener. I prefer Pepsi to Coke, but Diet Coke to Pepsi. All just a matter of personal taste preference. I would take pretty much any beer over Diet Coke, so?

This is me! Pepsi is better than Coke, but Diet Coke is better than Diet Pepsi.

I rarely drink soda, but when I go to a movie, I LOVE a fountain Diet Coke!

It tastes like the can hates me.


I don’t understand how folks can enjoy any diet soda. There’s sparkling water for low to no calories.

Anonymous wrote:It’s literally a drug. Nobody has a taste for the crap. You’re getting high and euphoric feelings from the caffeine and in anticipation of the caffeine buzz. People don’t even realize they’re no better than Pavlov’s dogs. lol

So is coffee, beer, chocolate, etc. It's really too bad we can't force everyone to eat boiled potatoes and beans.

As others have said, Diet Coke was launched at the height of Boomer (and GenX) diet culture.

My MIL, age 75, still packs her refrigerator/freezer and pantry with low-fat, low sugar everything to include Diet Coke. Brands you forgot about: Lean Cuisine, Crystal Lite - if it’s a snack food with Nutrasweet, she’s buying it so that she can “save” her calories.

She’s also tells everyone she “fasts” ahead of any big special occasion meal so that she can “really indulge, guilt free.”

MIL likely due to aging is thinner and scrawnier than ever.

Addictive drug and microplastics

Anonymous wrote:I don't know how anyone chooses Diet Coke when Coke Zero exists?

I drink about 5 sodas per year, usually with pizza or at a movie with popcorn. Otherwise I have no interest. I do, however, drink a ridiculous amount of black coffee.

If someone either isn’t used to drinking any kind of Coke or is transitioning from original Coke to a calorie free option, they’re generally going to choose Coke Zero Sugar because it doesn’t have the fake sweetener aftertaste of Diet Coke and the fountain version isn’t as flat. People who have gotten used to Diet Coke don’t have any reason to switch to something that tastes different; they’ve already gotten over the hurdle of adjusting to the aftertaste.

It sucks that so many restaurants offer Diet Coke but not Coke Zero Sugar. Maybe that will change as demographics shift.

I don't know how anyone chooses Diet Coke when Coke Zero exists?

I drink about 5 sodas per year, usually with pizza or at a movie with popcorn. Otherwise I have no interest. I do, however, drink a ridiculous amount of black coffee.

Wow, you guys need to get out of DC now and then. You didn't know that it's the Mormon moms' drink of choice? (thus the Instagram influencers' free ads for the corporation and free lifetime supplies to their homes.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it's delicious. Leave us alone.

+1,000. Duh.

Chemicals and salt are “delicious”?

Lady what do you think a tongue is

It's refreshing and additive! If I have one today, tomorrow I am looking for a fix, lol.

Anonymous wrote:It’s literally a drug. Nobody has a taste for the crap. You’re getting high and euphoric feelings from the caffeine and in anticipation of the caffeine buzz. People don’t even realize they’re no better than Pavlov’s dogs. lol

What's your point? That Diet coke drinkers get pleasure from it? Tell me something I don't know.

I drink Caffeine Free Coke Zero. Not easy to find but it allows me to have a decent cola drink when I feel like one without worrying about sugar and caffeine.