Standing the test of time, Diet Coke is fizzing in popularity at Queen\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Diet Coke<\/a> has developed from a \u201chealth alternative\u201d for original Coke into a brand that can stand on its own, nearly overshadowing its predecessor. Growing from an ordinary diet soda, diet coke has pushed itself into the mainstream and become a standalone product, with influencers and celebrities pushing the beverage almost as a lifestyle.<\/p>\n At Queen\u2019s, the Diet Coke trend has crept its way into the lives of students with many having opposing opinions on the beverage.<\/p>\n Introduced in 1982<\/a>, Diet Coke was an attempt by the Coca-Cola company at salvaging their brand with a new product after a rather tough decade. By the end of 1983, it was the number one soft drink in the United States and the <\/a>top soft drink brand among women<\/a>.<\/a> Many studies<\/a> have come out about the harmful effects of aspartame consumption, which could lead to issues with gut health.<\/a><\/p>\n Still, the cultural relevance of Diet Coke today is arguably as high as it has ever been. It seems to serve a dual purpose now, being both a diet soda and an accessory to pose with on Instagram.<\/p>\n With Gen-Z only adding more fuel to the fire<\/a>, Diet Coke has transcended its beverage status. There are Diet Coke bags<\/a> to hold your diet soda, and Diet Coke hydro-flasks<\/a> to make \u201cwater drinkers\u201d feel like they\u2019re part of the fun.<\/p>\n Despite its undeniable appeal, many still have differing opinions on the beverage.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it\u2019s fine. I can\u2019t tell much of a difference. That\u2019s how little I drink Coke,\u201d said Brenden Hamilton, ArtSci \u201927, in an interview with The Journal. \u201cI don\u2019t care for the fake sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n While Hamilton seemed to be fervent in his indifference for the beverage, Alexander MacLean, ArtSci \u201927, gave interesting insight into the mind of a Diet Coke drinker.<\/p>\n said in an interview with The Journal, calling it \u201can instant and quick release.\u201d He expanded, \u201cI\u2019m more addicted to the taste of Diet Coke than I like it. It\u2019s a familiar taste.\u201d<\/p>\n While that \u201cfamiliar taste\u201d is likely the aspartame entering our bodies, it\u2019s interesting to see the connection be made in person. Nic Farinaccio, ArtSci \u201927, added to the dialogue, saying Diet Coke was probably his favourite drink.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s just something about it. For me, I think normal Coke leaves too much of a sugary coating on my teeth. It feels like a resin. In addition, I think Coke Zero leans too far into tasting like its own thing. Diet Coke is a good middle ground between the two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd aspartame. That shit\u2019s banging,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n Diet Coke as a beverage is not inherently harmful, but the continuous presence it has on younger generations currently is something to consider. The student perspective of the beverage seems to vary, but it is undeniable that there is something about it that keeps people coming back.<\/p>\n Tags<\/p>\n \n Coke<\/a>, diet coke<\/a>, drinking<\/a> <\/p>\n All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and\/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to eic@queensjournal.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Standing the test of time, Diet Coke is fizzing in popularity at Queen\u2019s. 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