Originally published on 09/12/24

As an avid Diet Coke drinker — no, seriously, I literally have an opened bottle on my desk as I’m writing this article — I often spend time thinking about where I can buy the freshest and crispiest one out there. I’m oh-so-picky about the flavor profile of every one of these sugar-free beauties. So, in the name of journalism, I taste-tested every format of Coca-Cola’s diet version. And now, you have my official list! Keep scrolling to learn my official ranking. 

6. 2-liter bottle 

Don’t get me wrong — the 2-liter bottle is perfect for pizza nights and children’s birthday parties, but is anyone actually buying it for things other than that? Probably not. Not only does it take up a bunch of fridge space, but the soda itself isn’t as bubbly as the other ones, and once you open it, it just goes flat instantly. So, for that reason, I have to place it last. 

5. 20 oz bottle

The 20-oz bottle of Diet Coke, thanks to its lid, is perfect for traveling, but that familiar coke taste isn’t as strong here as some of the other options. Similar to the 2-liter, the soda’s fizz goes away a bit too quickly for my taste buds, and more often than not, I find myself drinking a flat, lukewarm soda, making fifth place the perfect place for this Diet Coke. 

4. Raising Cane’s Diet Coke

Chicken finger aficionados, Raising Cane’s has a full fleet of sodas on file. But the Cane’s Diet Coke stands apart for one simple reason: their pebble ice. Any soda lover knows the power pebble ice has on a drink’s taste, and Diet Coke is no exception. There have been times that I have ventured to Cane’s just to get a Diet Coke over pebble ice; that’s how life-changing it is. But when it comes to the soda itself, Cane’s isn’t anything groundbreaking. Most of their machines are just your standard Coca-Cola Freestyle ones, but thanks to their pebble ice, you feel like it’s just a step above the rest. 

3. Diet Coke in a can 

Listen, the Diet Coke can is a classic. Not only is the silver and red design iconic, but you know the second you pop that tab and hear the carbonation, your first sip is going to taste f-r-e-s-h. Plus, I know that this Diet Coke will always be there for me when I need it most; however, since it’s become such a staple in my life, sometimes it just doesn’t shine as bright as the ones below. 

2. McDonald’s Diet Coke 

When it comes to the McDonald’s Diet Coke, all I have to say is if you know, you know. The second you take a sip of one, you can just feel the bubbly goodness throughout your entire body. There is just something about the way the fast-food chain makes it that is simply indescribable, but trust me when I say their Diet Coke is one of the crispiest ones out there. 

1. Glass bottle

Whenever I drink Diet Coke out of a glass bottle, I feel like I’m living in luxury. Not only is it the prettiest one, but the way the soda fizzes in the bottle when you drink it is unmatched. My only complaint would be the size, but when it comes to this Diet Coke, I’m willing to buy two or three of it to bask in that luxurious feeling for a little while longer. 

Honorable mention: Swig drinks

Truth be told, I have never been to a Swig Drinks soda shop. However, I would like to. Their sodas look crisp, and from everything I have seen online, their Diet Coke looks like it would change my life. Swig, please come to New York City or Fort Collins, Colorado, where I’m from. Thank you! 

Also, Diet Coke, please sponsor me! Thank you!

Link to original: https://www.firstforwomen.com/food-recipes/best-tasting-diet-coke-mcdonalds-raising-canes-swig-more