The word “crispy” isn’t necessarily one you’d associate with a can of Diet Coke – but that’s exactly what Gen Z are calling the popular drink when it’s served to chilled “perfection”.
While there’s no denying icy cold is the ideal way to sip the cult fizzy drink, the younger generation has determined you can take extra steps to take its crispness to the next level.
The secret is all in the chilling, which involves storing the iconic silver can in a fridge for extended periods, as well as additional icing methods such as excessive ice cubes and frozen glasses.
The elaborate trend, dubbed the “crispy Diet Coke”, is so popular there are almost 1 million videos showing thirst-inducing ways to guzzle cola on TikTok.
‘Perfect crispy Diet Coke recipe’
One of the most dedicated fans of the modern Diet Coke break is US woman Kristen Hollingshaus who regularly documents the lengthy preparation that goes into enjoying the “perfect” glass of the fizzy stuff.
The 26-year-old from San Francisco amassed more than 1.5 million views with her favourite “recipe” for an extra “crispy” DC.
“I have been waiting for upwards of, give or take two weeks, to take this specific exact Diet Coke break, because all my ingredients have had to marinate,” she states in the popular video.
“What do I mean by ‘marinate’? Well that is the recipe to success for the perfect, stunning, beautiful, crispy Diet Coke.
“The longer it’s been in the fridge, the crispier it will be. My minimum time in fridge is probably two to three days.”
Kristen goes on to explain she prefers to drink it with a glass straw and a frozen glass, describing the detail as “key”.
“This has been in the freezer for… a long time,” she explained, showing a frosted glass.
Next, she adds in ice.
“Ice is crucial. Doesn’t have to be pebbled, but I prefer pebbled.”
Once all of those steps have been completed, the Diet Coke is then poured in as well as a sachet of “crystallised lime”, prompting the young woman to declare: “Wow, takes my breath away every time.”
While the lime crystals aren’t available in Australia, other videos show “crispy Diet Coke recipes” using frozen wedges of citrus, including lemon and lime.
Many have praised “the level of love” that goes into making the beverage extra “crispy” while others have declared it has “changed their lives”.
“A crispy Diet Coke just hits different,” one said.
“It is so satisfying,” another agreed.
As one wrote: “I just did this step by step and I’m in heaven.”
Others said the trend had made them want to drink the popular fizz – despite the fact they’re not usually cola fans.
“I’ve not stopped craving a Diet Coke since I stumbled across ‘crispy’ Tok,” one wrote.
“This is stunning. I feel as though if I don’t have crispy Diet Coke right now…I might die,” another added.
“I’ve never had a Diet Coke before and now and this made me crave one,” someone else agreed.
Some even offered additional tips to take it up yet another notch – while others confidently declared a “crispy” cola is served the old fashioned way – straight out of the can.
“Use a bottle not can, and when you hold it up so high when you pour it and then stir it, you are taking tons of carbonation away… those crisp carbonated bubbles!” one pleaded.
“Girl, hear me out, this – but frozen straw,” someone else suggested.
Of course, there were some who just didn’t get it, asking: “Can someone explain to me what the ‘crispy’ in crispy Diet Coke means?”
Confusion from those older than Gen Z comes down to a lack of understanding about “romanticising” what you consume, a popular nutritionist explained on TikTok.
According to Abbey Sharp, who regularly shares content aimed at “busting wellness culture BS”, the technique is something we should all adopt for everything we eat and drink.
“If we could approach meals with the same sensory investment, just imagine how much pleasure we could derive from food,” she explained in her own video about the trend.
“We wouldn’t dare shovel food into our mouths before a meeting again.
“And as such, we would be more mindfully in tune with our satiety.”