A new TikTok trend has rebranded Diet Coke as a “fridge cigarette,” likening the icy beverage to a refreshing substitute for smoking breaks. The term went viral after content creator Rachel Reno posted a video in a New York City park this summer, pairing her lunch of a sandwich and chips with a chilled can of the soda. In the clip, which amassed 3.8 million views, she humorously wrote: “Overheard someone call Diet Coke a ‘fridge cigarette’ and nothing’s been more true to me since,” playfully dubbing the drink a “crispy ciggy.”

The comparison resonated widely. Commenters flooded Reno’s post with affirmations, including one user who called the phrase “the funniest thing I’ve ever heard” and another who declared Diet Coke their “vice of choice for decades.” The trend underscores how younger generations are reimagining small indulgences as ritualistic moments of pause. Substack writer Casey Lewis noted last year that “Diet Coke breaks” had already become a Gen Z alternative to traditional smoke breaks, reflecting a shift toward using the beverage as a means to unwind or recharge.

This shift aligns with broader patterns on TikTok, where users frequently romanticize everyday activities—think meticulously styled morning routines or hyper-aestheticized “cozy” study sessions. By framing a soda as a “fridge cigarette,” creators transform a mundane act into a whimsical, shareable narrative. Analysts suggest the trend also mirrors declining smoking rates among young adults: U.S. federal data shows cigarette use among 18- to 24-year-olds fell to historic lows in 2022, with many opting for healthier coping mechanisms.

While the phrase plays on the cultural nostalgia of stepping outside for a cigarette—a trope often glamorized in media—the “fridge cigarette” leans into humor and relatability. Previous TikTok phenomena, such as debates over the “Gen Z stare” or the rise of “girl dinners,” similarly spotlight how the platform reframes ordinary behaviors into viral conversation starters. For now, the trend highlights Diet Coke’s enduring appeal as both a caffeine fix and a cultural shorthand for small moments of respite—no nicotine required.