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Fridge Cigarette Trend: With the ever-growing evolution of social media trends, the recent trend that is surfacing on social media, especially on TikTok, is Fridge Cigarette. This quirky trend is a peculiar and concerning habit that is gaining prominence among Gen Z. Surprisingly, even though the term has the word ‘Cigarette’ in it, it has nothing to do with smoking. Instead of reaching out for a cigarette, Gen Z are grabbing a cold Diet Coke and sipping it slowly, usually after a long, stressful day. On social media, videos with captions like “Time for my afternoon fridge cigarette” or “Just a little something to take the edge off” have gone viral, gaining thousands of likes and comments. For many young adults, this has become a version of a smoke break, including a moment to pause, reset and feel good. Although Gen Z are obsessed with the Fridge Cigarette Trend and romanticising it, the habit is silently ruining their overall well-being. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fridge Cigarette trend.

What Is Fridge Cigarette Trend?

The term Fridge Cigarette originated on TikTok, popularised by creator @reallyrachelreno, who cracked open a Diet Coke, comparing it to lighting a cigarette. The video has gone viral with about 4M views. What she reflected on in the video was the hiss, the fizz and the pause, showcasing the emotion behind it. This trend is not about a real cigarette, but a satisfying moment when you grab a cold Diet Coke from the fridge and crack it open. Gen Z on social media has showcased a new type of modern smoke break or smoking alternatives without nicotine, but full of style. Young adults are seeing this as a habit to experience a mindful pause from the screen time, a healthier (or at least somewhat healthier) take on the traditional smoke break.

 
 
 
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Why Diet Coke Is Preferred In Fridge Cigarette Trend?

Reportedly, Diet Coke offers the ultimate chill experience, including fizzy, caffeinated, calorie-free and effortlessly cool. TikTok users have compared Coke variants to cig brands, such as Diet Coke as Parliaments, Coke Zero as American Spirits, regular Coke as Marlboro Reds, full-fat glass-bottle Coke as a cigar. Although Coca‑Cola didn’t create this trend, it originated naturally, which only focuses on delivering great taste.

How Does Fridge Cigarette Affect Health?

Acidic Erosion: Diet Coke has a pH of around 2.7–3.0, owing to the presence of phosphoric and citric acids, which is enough to weaken enamel below the critical 4.0 level. Frequent soda exposure roughens enamel and accelerates erosion. Repeatedly sipping overwhelms the saliva’s restorative ability.

Artificial Sweeteners: Though it is considered sugar-free, Diet Coke relies on aspartame and acesulfame K. As per the WHO, aspartame is “possibly carcinogenic.” Moreover, diet sodas are also linked with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and gut disruption.

 
 
 
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Dental And Chemical Concerns: Although it is healthier than smoking a cigarette, Diet Coke isn’t innocent. Its acidity can erode enamel and artificial sweeteners like aspartame may cause long-term health issues such as stroke, heart disease and metabolic disruptions.

Caffeine And Bloating: Caffeine can cause jitters, disrupted sleep and mild dehydration, while carbonation leads to bloating and digestive discomfort.