Why Diet Coke Drinkers Have Very Specific Container Preferences
For decades, from No-Cal to zero sugar sodas to Diet Coke, proud soda connoisseurs have claimed that they can easily tell the difference between not only bottled or canned soft drinks, but beverages from specific fast-food establishments. American drag queen Delta Work even stated (via YouTube) that she believes only Jack in the Box and McDonald's have "pride in the product" that they're serving in their fountain drink machines, and that she can very clearly tell the difference between each interpretation of Diet Coke.
This is actually a very real phenomenon. Soda provides a different taste based on the way it is packaged, usually because of the container. Diet Coke in an aluminum can is a popular choice, and its metallic taste may be the reason it sticks out from others. It is believed that the polymer coating on the inside of the can may shift the beverage's taste to something lighter and easier to consume than bottled Diet Coke. While plastic and glass bottles are not prepared with a polymer coating, the acetaldehyde chemical found in plastic soda bottles could potentially change the taste of a soda once in the hands of a consumer.
The many flavors of Diet Coke
On the other hand, many people can taste a distinct difference between store-bought Coca-Cola and those purchased at McDonald's, even if they aren't a soda expert. This is because McDonald's prepares the soda in a much more intricate way that provides that delicious crisp Coke, including using steel tanks of Coca-Cola syrup and a wider straw. This could explain why so many people prefer a crackly McDonald's Coke over a can or bottle.
As for consumer preferences, there is no clear winner as to which Diet Coke is the better choice. While a 2024 BuzzFeed experiment named canned Diet Coke as its humble winner, the bottled beverage narrowly pulled ahead in a popular Reddit poll years prior. In fact, each poll online — whether it be through a fun game with friends or an experiment done with willing coworkers — provides incredibly different and subjective opinions regarding the various forms of Diet Coke.