The UK is a nation of fizzy drink lovers, ranking seventh as the biggest consumer in the world, but while many love to brighten up their afternoon with a sweet treat, nutritionists warn it may not be a healthy way to get energy.
Of those popular fizzy drinks, Diet Coke has recently become one of the most popular ways for Gen Z to get their fix, with TikTok videos around the drink garnering millions of views on the video platform.
However, according to nutritionist Kyle Crowley of Protein Works, the sugar-free drink can be counterintuitive when it comes to providing an afternoon energy boost.
Diet Coke For Life has nearly a million views on the app and millions of people post videos daily about the popular caffeinated drink, with many calling the afternoon favorite “DC.”
One creator has racked up millions of views for the perfect “midday Diet Coke” recipe, revealing the lengthy process of creating the perfect afternoon drink.
Of those popular soft drinks, Diet Coke has recently become one of the most popular ways for Gen Z to get their soda fix, with videos related to the drink garnering millions of views on Life.
Pictured: A creator has garnered millions of views for the perfect “midday Diet Coke” recipe, revealing a lengthy process of creating the perfect afternoon pour.
The recipe involves combining frozen spherical cubes of Diet Coke with a can of the drink, a frozen lime and a frosted glass.
Meanwhile, it’s not just Gen Z who readily enjoy an afternoon DC: the drink is also a favourite of American entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.
Research from Protein Works revealed that the 3pm energy slump is a real phenomenon and that most people experience a noticeable drop in their energy and alertness right around this time.
The study found that coffee drinkers were the first to experience their crash, followed by those with high-sugar breakfasts, those who skipped breakfast, and lastly those who consumed high-protein diets, who experienced their crash later.
While Diet Coke doesn’t fall into any of these same categories, unfortunately for DC lovers, the popular drink still results in a crash.
According to nutrition expert Kyle Crowley, the caffeine content of soda is short-lived and its energy-boosting effects only last a short time.
‘Caffeine may momentarily increase your energy and concentration, but this boost is usually short-lived.
‘After the initial effect wears off, you may feel even more exhausted than before.
‘This short-term energy boost was particularly evident in our latest research which found that participants who drank coffee for breakfast were the quickest to reach their midday slump.’
According to Kyle, although the energy boost is short-lived, the caffeine coursing through your body can make you pay the price when the night comes.
“Consuming caffeine late in the day can interfere with sleep patterns. If you drink a Diet Coke at 3 p.m., it can affect your ability to fall asleep at night, leading to poorer rest and more pronounced fatigue the next day,” she explained.
Not to mention that the glorified soda drink offers nothing in terms of nutrients, making it an unsatisfying option.
‘Diet Coke does not provide essential nutrients. Unlike snacks that provide protein or fiber, Diet Coke does not contribute to long-lasting energy.
“It satisfies a craving without offering any substantial nutritional benefit, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and more prone to energy crashes,” Kyle said.
The latest design released by the brand includes cans with names. Unfortunately for DC lovers, the popular drink still results in an energy crash.
Instead of reaching for a fizzy drink, Kyle recommends combatting the energy slump by filling up on a snack, suggesting that a protein-rich mini-meal could do the trick.
Instead of reaching for a fizzy drink, Kyle recommends combatting the energy slump by eating a snack, and suggests that a protein-rich mini-meal could do the trick.
She said: “Protein helps stabilise blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full, which can prevent energy crashes that trigger cravings for quick fixes like Diet Coke.”
Alternatively, opting for a more sustainable energy drink could improve the effects during the later hours of the day.
Kyle suggests matcha, which is “rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamins C, potassium, and magnesium, which support overall well-being and sustained energy. It also helps with metabolism, making it a healthier, more balanced alternative to combat the 3pm slump.”
For snacks, Kyle suggested hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, hummus with veggies, a protein shake or Greek yogurt, to stabilize energy for the rest of the afternoon.
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