Throughout the past four years, I could always be spotted with a Diet Coke. No matter when or where I was, I was always holding a silver can (or occasionally a two liter). This was the consistency of my high school career. However, throughout this time I received much negative feedback for this trait. But Diet Coke has many hidden merits, which have made this relentless teasing bearable throughout the years.

According to Coca-Cola’s website, a 12 oz can of Diet Coke has no fat or carbs, and it has 2% sodium (which is good for me because this helps with water retention, which is necessary because I drink no water only Diet Coke). There is also 46mg of caffeine, which is drastically more than the 34mg in a regular coke (“Product Facts” 2017). As a girl of few hours of sleep and many hours activity, caffeine is a necessity. Even Pepsi only has 38mg of caffeine, proving Diet Coke to be superior to regular sodas (Caffeineinformer 2018).

Now, to me, Diet Coke also has the advantage of flavor and texture over the other sodas. While I honestly don’t remember how this addiction started, I can say that the amount of Diet Coke I’ve consumed has caused regular soda to feel thick and syrupy to me, and the real sugar tastes too sickly sweet. Diet Coke, however, is perfectly falsely sweet and smooth and is a refreshment I cannot live without. According to the Coca-Cola website, “It’s your everyday hero. Your deliciously fizzy go-to companion…and it’s incredibly refreshing, always.”

Diet Coke also, in my experience, takes longer to go flat than other sodas. Whether this is because of its higher carbonation or aspartame instead of sugar I couldn’t tell you, but as someone who drinks so many cans each day that I can’t keep up with them, being able to drink a soda I started the day before is a blessing every time.

Overall, Diet Coke is a significant part of my life and a worthwhile addition to every meal and every occasion. For anyone who needs the extra caffeine, wants less of a sugar crash after drinking large amounts of soda, or wants a soothing and refreshing beverage for a change of pace, I would highly recommend a can of Diet Coke. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may even try one of their new flavors.