Doctor’s warning against viral ‘protein Diet Coke’ trend

It’s been touted as a healthier way to savour our nation’s fizzy drink of choice, but is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Diet Coke is one of those products that enjoys a cult following, which becomes particularly evident in offices around Australia and the world when 3pm rolls around and cravings for a sweet treat kick in.

But with a less-than-ideal nutritional profile and a growing body of research about its effects on the body, it’s little wonder fans have been experimenting with ways to “healthify” the drink.

Enter the latest TikTok trend that sees people adding protein shakes to their beloved soft drink, something that’s been creatively coined “protein Diet Coke”.

But is it really as healthy as it sounds?

What is protein Diet Coke?

Protein Diet Coke combines a pre-made protein shake mixed with Diet Coke, creating a creamy, carbonated drink designed to help people consume protein in a more enjoyable way.

The trend gained traction thanks to Utah content creator @beccers_gordonn, whose TikTok describing the drink as “a 10/10” racked up over 2.6 million views.

Thousands of people then jumped on the bandwagon, trying out the recipe and sharing their verdicts.

US-based chef @wishbonekitchen was one of the more high-profile people to try the trend and was surprised at how good it tasted.

“Too stunned to speak,” she told her 2.2 million followers after taking a sip, later calling the concoction “phenomenal”.

“I was expecting to like it but ended up loving it,” she said.

The Utah TikToker who kicked off the trend shares the protein Diet Coke recipe. Picture: TikTok/@beccers_gordonn

Aussies quickly followed suit Down Under and posted about their own versions. Picture: TikTok/@primetrain

Aussies share their own versions

The recipe is simple, just add a protein shake to a Diet Coke. However, because the trend initially took off in the States, most videos show people using a particular drink that is only available in America.

But that hasn’t stopped Aussies from giving it a crack.

AFL player and fitness entrepreneur @primetrain tried it out with the Vanilla Rokeby Protein Smoothie, which has similar macronutrients and is available at Coles and Woolworths.

“It’s delicious, like a spider,” he said of the drink that boasts a whopping 30 grams of protein.

“Making protein shakes fun is really important if you’re trying to stay lean.”

Another user, personal trainer @mazzfitmovement, opted for a McDonald’s Diet Coke mixed with the same protein shake and called it “genius.”

“This could be a new summer staple,” she added, “especially for those trying to hit their daily protein targets.”

Experts have warned that the viral drink isn’t as healthy as it sounds. Picture: iStock

Healthy or just a fad?

So, is protein Diet Coke a good way to make the calorie-free drink a bit more beneficial?

According to the experts, not really.

“Let’s get real – if your ‘protein’ comes from a pre-made shake, you’re likely getting more calories from sugar than from protein itself,” Dr Zac Turner, a biomedical scientist and doctor, told news.com.au.

“The average ready-to-go protein drink can sneak in a lot of filler, meaning that creamy shot into your Diet Coke may end up countering your sugar-free intentions.”

Dr Turner recommended using a clean, high-quality whey isolate with minimal sugar for those keen to give the drink a try.

“It’s not likely to taste as fun or blend as easily but whey isolate packs a pure protein punch, so you’d actually get the benefits you’re after without accidentally turning your ‘diet’ drink into a dessert,” he explained.

But before you go running to the dairy aisle, consider whether or not you might need the extra protein in the first place.

“While adding protein to a drink can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary for everyone, only those who are active, trying to build muscle or have increased protein needs, such as during recovery,” said nutritionist Scott Keatley, speaking to Women’s World.

Plus, Diet Coke can affect digestion.

“The carbonation and artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke may cause bloating or discomfort,” he noted.

“Not only does it lack any real nutritional value. But it can also be hard to digest due to the carbonation and sweeteners.”

The trend stems from Mormon culture

Some people have speculated that the protein Diet Coke trend might have ties to Mormon culture, where unconventional soft drinks have a long history.

Most Mormons don’t drink alcohol, so many of them turn to soft drinks instead, making up flavour combinations to keep things interesting.

The most famous of these is the “Dirty Soda” trend that started in the early 2010s and is made by adding creamer and flavoured syrups to soft drinks.

The recent TV show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives sparked a renewed interest in the cult-favourite drink when one cast member referred to it as a “vice.”

Dua Lipa recently shared her own take on a quirky Diet Coke and Gordon Ramsay did not like it. Picture: TikTok

Other viral Diet Coke trends

Diet Coke has seen its fair share of TikTok experimentation in recent years, with one of the latest variations being Dua Lipa’s Spicy Diet Coke.

The pop star shared her quirky recipe online, which saw her add pickle and jalapeño juice to her Coke.

The internet was left shocked and intrigued, including chef Gordon Ramsay, who tried it and immediately spat it out.

“Dua Lipa, for God’s sake, girl!” he exclaimed in a clip. “You’ll ruin your vocal cords!”