Curious about a “fridge cigarette”? On TikTok, this phrase signifies a perfectly chilled Diet Coke, perfect for the summer season. The trend was initiated when creator Rachel Reno (@reallyrachelreno) posted a video in a park in New York, relishing a sandwich, chips, and a Diet Coke. She wrote, “overheard someone refer to Diet Coke as a ‘fridge cigarette’ and nothing’s resonated with me more since,” also labeling it a “crispy ciggy.”

Fans of Diet Coke connected with the comparison, as Reno’s video garnered over 3.8 million views. Responses included, “A ‘fridge cigarette’ is the most hilarious thing I’ve ever heard, and it’s spot on,” and “Absolutely, Diet Coke has been my go-to for years.”

Diet Coke has garnered popularity among Gen-Z, with TikTok users in 2023 enjoying viral “Diet Coke breaks.” As highlighted by Substack writer Casey Lewis, younger individuals are choosing the soft drink in place of traditional “cigarette breaks” to relax and rejuvenate.

This phenomenon resonates with TikTok’s youth culture, where users frequently glamorize their experiences, transforming ordinary moments into visually pleasing content. The phrase “fridge cigarette” serves as another method to render a daily habit more enticing.

Moreover, the Gen-Z inclination toward a Diet Coke “smoke break” mirrors the drop in smoking rates among younger generations. A fridge cigarette is a suitable substitute.