McDonald’s has brought back Diet Coke after a four-year absence, with fans of the popular beverage applauding its return.
Diet Coke was removed from menus at Maccas nationwide in 2022, with the fast food giant focusing on Coke Classic and Coke Zero on its soft drinks menu.
Diet Coke has made a comeback after a four-year absence. Getty
A spokesperson for McDonald’s Australia told nine.com.au Diet Coke’s return was in response to customer feedback.
“We’ve heard the calls for Diet Coke to return, and we’re excited to confirm it’s coming back to Macca’s, giving customers even more choice when it comes to their favourite drinks,” they said.
“Diet Coke is now rolling out to restaurants across Australia and will continue to land on menus over the coming months.”
The fast food giant said the drinks return was in response to customer demand. Supplied
Maccas now serve Coke Classic, Coke Zero, and Diet Coke. Getty
McDonald’s Australia permanently removed post-mix Diet Coke from all fountain drink taps across the country in early January 2023.
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Now that it is returned it is available as part of all meal deals alongside other soft drink options.
Macca’s popular Frozen Coke drink comes in both Coke Classic and Coke Zero. Also in the drinks line up are Sprite and Fanta.
McDonald’s Australia has served Coca-Cola since the fast-food chain opened its very first Australian restaurant in May 1971 at Yagoona, Sydney, marking the beginnings of a 55-year partnership.
Unlike competitors Domino’s and KFC, which have periodically switched beverage suppliers or tested different market arrangements, McDonald’s has maintained an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola across its entire footprint since the franchise’s inception.
McDonald’s has maintained an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola since its inception. Getty
Coca-Cola first released Diet Coke in 1982 in the US before it landed in Australia the following year, replacing Coca-Cola’s original low-sugar option Tab.
By the end of 1983, Diet Coke had become the top-selling diet soft drink in the US and the third overall most popular soft drink behind regular Coke and Pepsi.
Coca-Cola officially announced the discontinuation of Tab in October 2020, with production ending on December 31, 2020. This was part of an overhaul of Coca-Cola’s soft drinks range which saw underperforming options pulled from the market.
Coca-Cola first released Diet Coke in 1982 before it landed in Australia the following year. Getty
Coke Classic is Australia’s bestseller out of the Coca-Cola range. Coke Zero officially surpassed Diet Coke as Australia’s second-favourite Coca-Cola beverage in 2008, just two years after its Australian launch in early 2006.