Fridge Cigarette: Why Gen Z is swapping smokes for diet coke in viral trend

Have you heard of something called the “fridge cigarette?” The term first popped up on TikTok and quickly bubbled its way onto Instagram feeds. It sounds like a paradox, but it’s just a clever name for what’s become Gen Z’s new favourite ritual: cracking open an ice-cold can of Diet Coke in the middle of the day.

The trend is less about the soda itself and more about the vibe, a moment of pause, and a tiny ritual of comfort. Here is more about the latest Gen Z trends.

What is the“fridge cigarette” trend?

TikTok user @reallyrachelreno helped fuel the trend when she posted a video captioned, “Time for a crispy ciggy in the summer,” sipping Coke in the sun with the sound of the can popping for full effect.

“Overheard someone call Diet Coke a ‘fridge cigarette’ and nothing’s been truer to me since,” she wrote, and just like that, the term caught on. Instagram quickly followed, with users sharing reels and stories of their own “Coke breaks,” glamourising the carbonated pause with aesthetic shots and chilled vibes.

But beyond the catchy name and cool-kid aesthetic, the fridge cigarette represents something deeper, a generational shift in lifestyle and habits.

Gen Z does not like drinking

Gen Z, often labeled the “wellness generation,” is moving away from traditional vices. According to data from IWSR, only 45% of Gen Z consumes alcohol, and their spending on booze has dropped a staggering 87% compared to millennials and Gen X. Smoking, once considered a symbol of rebellion and cool, has been steadily losing appeal. In its place? Caffeine, carbonation, and curated moments of calm that still feel like self-expression minus the long-term health consequences (at least comparatively).

The fridge cigarette isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of Gen Z’s approach to self-care. In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, even a can of Diet Coke becomes a grounding ritual. It’s an oddly specific but deeply relatable moment: walking to the fridge, grabbing the coldest can and sipping it.

However, there is something to keep in mind

That said, experts caution that swapping one habit for another doesn’t always equal healthy living. While Diet Coke is far from cigarettes in terms of health risk, overconsumption of fizzy drinks isn’t without consequence. Artificial sweeteners, excessive caffeine, and acidity can have long-term effects if consumed in large quantities.

So yes, the fridge cigarette may be a fun, fizzy, TikTok-fueled trend, but like all things viral, moderation is key.