The Gen Z generation is known for creating new trends over social media - from lingo to fashion to health. Everyone seems to be more health conscious nowadays as the truth about certain foods and habits have truly come to light. And information can spread faster than it ever has before.

Smoking cigarettes is one of those habits that used to be extremely prevalent in the U.S. and is now losing steam. Gen Z's are turning to different outlets as they're trying to be more health conscious.

According to the American Lung Association, long-term trends show a 73% drop in smoking rates from 1965 to 2022. And in 2024, only 11% of U.S. adults reported smoking in the past week, tying an 80-year low.

Just because people aren't smoking cigarettes doesn't mean their habits are completely clean though. Many Gen Z's are turning to e-cigarettes or vapes to get their nicotine fix, while others are turning to what they're referring to a "fridge cigarette".

What is a "Fridge Cigarette"?

What used to be a smoke break outside has turned into a walk to the fridge to grab a "fridge cigarette", also known as a Diet Coke.

The fridge cigarette meaning stems from a TikTok trend where Gen Z's are comparing Diet Coke to a cigarette. They also have different names for it like "crispy ciggy".

It started with TikToker, @reallyrachelreno posting a video cracking open a can of Diet Coke and calling it her fridge cigarette. Many TikTok users are sharing the same sentiment of the addicting nature of their daily Diet Coke, with one user comparing this soda to Parliaments.

While Diet Coke might be the healthier choice over a real cigarette, that doesn't mean it's good for you.

Is Diet Coke Really Diet?

If it has the word "diet" in the name, then how is diet coke bad for you? It might have zero calories, but lack of calories doesn't mean it's harmless.

If you take a look at the Diet Coke ingredients list, you'll find carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and artificial sweetners like aspartme. While these sweetners cut calories, research suggest they can confuse your body's natural hunger cues, which can make you crave sweet or higher caloric foods later.

Not to mention the impact Diet Coke can have on your body over time. The acidity in this drink can erode tooth enamel, and drinking it frequently has been linked to bone density loss due to the phosphoric acid. Other studies have also shown a connection between drinking diet soda frequently and metabolic syndrome, which can increase your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

And don't forget the caffeine. One can of Diet Coke might not overload most people, but drinking multiple cans a day can lead to jitters, headache, or trouble sleeping.

So, Diet Coke might be considered the healthier alternative to sugary sodas or cigarettes, it comes with its own risks.

Why is Diet Coke So Addicting?

The sweet taste, the energy boost, the satisfying tsss as you open the can all make Diet Coke that more addicting. While it might not technically be as addicting as nicotine, they can both trigger a dopamine release, making you always wanting to come back for more.

But what Diet Coke ingredients make it so addicting?

The first being the artificial sweetners. Studies suggest that these sweetners can often overstimulate our sugar receptors, light up the part of our brain that controls hunger even more than sugar does, and be just as addicting as drugs like cocaine.

The next ingredient is caffeine. This psychoactive drug stimulates the brain's reward system, giving you a quick boost of energy and focus that your body starts to crave. Over time, regular caffeine intake can make you dependent on it. If you go without your daily Diet Coke, you might feel tired, irritable, or get headaches.

The last addicting ingredient might come at a surprise - carbonation. Thos fizzy bubbles create a slight acidity that, paired with sweetness, can amplifies the brain's reward response. At the same time, carbonation can mute the overly sweet taste just enough to keep you reaching for another sip.

Fridge Cigarette: Just as Bad?

So, is a fridge cigarette better than a real one. Technically, yes, but just like cigarettes, Diet Coke has its own list of problems.

It's easy to see why Gen Z's are comparing a Diet Coke to taking a smoke break, as it feels good in the moment and can quickly become a habit.

Does that mean you have to give up Diet Coke cold turkey? Not necessarily. But you should start limiting your intake gradually. Try swapping it out with herbal tea or sparkling water.

At the end of the day, whether it's a cigarette or a "crispy ciggy", your body deserves better than something that secretly keeps you hooked.