Just last year, there was a buzz about a potential ban on Diet Coke. A post went viral, seemingly from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services in the new administration. The post hinted at a plan to outlaw the soda starting January 20. Although reputable sources like Reuters quickly debunked the claim, many consumers still fretted over RFK Jr.’s views on food additives and chemicals possibly jeopardizing the availability of Diet Coke in stores.
Some users expressed their concerns on social media platforms. One wrote, “If they really ban Diet Coke I’ll probably have to check myself into some kind of program.” Another chimed in, “What if they do actually ban diet coke like how could i possibly survive that.”
Fortunately, the situation has now been clarified. During his Senate confirmation, Kennedy Jr. addressed the speculation, firmly denying any plans for a Diet Coke ban, or for banning fast food for that matter. He emphasized the importance of research through institutions like the National Institute of Health and FDA to help the public understand the impact of various food additives on chronic diseases. He stated, “If you like a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a Diet Coke, which my boss loves, you should be able to get them. If you want to eat Hostess Twinkies, you should be able to do that. But you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.”
While Diet Coke isn’t positioned as a health drink, there is some positive news. Despite past concerns linking the artificial sweetener aspartame in the soda to cancer, the World Health Organization found only “limited evidence” of such a connection. Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker also mentioned that while daily consumption of Diet Coke isn’t the healthiest choice, it isn’t the worst either. She suggests that having one Diet Coke a day alongside a balanced diet and adequate water intake is unlikely to have significant adverse effects.
So, should we celebrate with an ice-cold Diet Coke?
