As summer fades and the European travel season transitions into fall, a new topic of discussion has emerged among travelers: the availability and variations of Diet Coke across different European countries. While Diet Coke can be found in Europe, it is not readily available, specifically in Italy. This has led some to seek alternatives or even resort to extreme measures, such as smuggling suitcases full of their preferred soda. For those unwilling to go to such lengths, exploring local diet soda options can be a rewarding experience.
The Diet Coke Dilemma
The preference for a specific version of Diet Coke is not uncommon. Many consumers have strong preferences, and the subtle differences in sweeteners and flavors across transnational markets can be a source of frustration. The recent case of Jill Zarin, a former Real Housewife, who “smuggled” a suitcase full of Diet Coke into Europe, highlights the dedication some have to their preferred beverage.
However, transporting cans or bottles of liquid in a pressurized environment subject to temperature fluctuations and hours of jostling is not advisable. Instead of scouring specialty shops or attempting to transport Diet Coke from home, travelers can discover a variety of unique and flavorful diet sodas available in Europe.
Exploring Italian Diet Soda Alternatives
For those in Italy seeking a Diet Coke alternative, several options are worth exploring.
Molecola Senza Zucchero
If you like cola but aren’t a fan of the specific Coca-Cola product available where you’re traveling, keep your eyes peeled for alternatives, often in cafes, restaurants, or the fridge case in a convenience store. In Italy, there’s a diet version of Molecola, “senza zucchero” (again, without sugar). This Italian cola offers a local twist on the classic soda, providing a refreshing and sugar-free option.
Read also: Diet Coke and Celiac Disease
Beyond Italy: A Pan-European Soda Adventure
Venturing beyond Italy reveals a wider array of diet soda options, each with its unique flavor profile and cultural connection.
Altercola: Regional Cola Alternatives
Across Europe, local cola alternatives offer unique flavors and formulations. In Switzerland, Vivi Kola stands out with its strong vanilla notes. Germany offers Fritz, with both a basic diet version (“ohne zucker,” without sugar) and a newer bottle called Superzero. Fritz has a big enough footprint that you might find it elsewhere in northern and central Europe. In France, find diet Breizh Cola, from Brittany, including at the buckwheat crepes specialist chain Breizh Café in Paris.
Grapefruit Sodas: A Zesty Refreshment
Coke’s Fanta fruit soda brand comes in dozens of flavors for global markets, so it’s always worth seeing what’s available locally in diet. Crisp grapefruit versions are worth seeking out, such as Pomelo in the Netherlands, Agrumes in France, or pineapple and grapefruit in the U.K., once a standalone soda called Lilt, and recently rebranded. But grapefruit sodas in Europe aren’t limited to Fanta; in France, for example, also try the Schweppes version.
Spezi: The Cola-Orange Fusion
One motto of the Coca-Cola version of the German staple Spezi, Mezzo Mix and Mezzo Mix Zero, is “cola küsst orange,” or “cola kisses orange,” a nice description of what’s basically a blend of Coke and Fanta. The Pepsi version, Schwip Schwap, is also available in diet. The most delightful branding, however, is that of Paulaner Spezi, sold in a 1970s retro glass bottle by the Munich brewer.
Unique Country-Specific Sodas
For those willing to venture farther from Diet Coke, several country-specific one-offs offer unique and memorable flavors.
Read also: Is Diet Mr. Pibb Right For You?
Barr Bubblegum (UK)
Barr makes low- and no-sugar sodas in the U.K., but you’ll have to check the can closely before drinking to see whether it’s fully sugar free; they’re not obviously marked. My current favorite is their bubblegum flavor, which is Windex blue, sweet, slightly fruity, and 59 pence (75 cents) a can.
Rivella Blau (Switzerland & Netherlands)
The Swiss national soda, Rivella, might be the oddest on this list: Made from whey, it has an herbal note that ginger ale fans might like. Rivella Blau (with the blue label) is the sugar-free version, but there’s also a new-ish lower-sugar version called Refresh. Also available in the Netherlands.
Almdudler (Austria)
This strong herbal soda leans into its Alpine branding with a pair of blonds in traditional garb on the packaging - one sports a dirndl - and a name that evokes the mountain landscape.
Read also: Impact of Diet Culture
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