Is Diet Coke Really the “Fridge Cigarette”?

The Trend: If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you may have seen millennial women cracking open a cold Diet Coke and calling it their “fridge cigarette.” Some people even take a sip through a straw and mimic a long exhale. The phrase caught on partly because Diet Coke now fills the emotional void that people sought during afternoon breaks, especially now that smoking is less common among millennials. It also taps into that old suspicion many of us have that something so satisfying might come with a hidden cost.

What People Are Saying: The nickname is funny because it’s dramatic, not necessarily because it’s accurate. Research does hint at possible concerns when people drink a lot of diet soda over long periods of time, especially when it comes to metabolic and brain health. However, these findings are linked to frequent use rather than occasional use. And there’s absolutely nothing in the science that puts Diet Coke on the same level as cigarettes when it comes to health. 

What to Know: It’s okay if your semi-regular Diet Coke helps you get through an afternoon slump. Just don’t let it replace water, and also keep an eye on your caffeine intake.