A new trend is rapidly emerging in city cafés, college campuses, and office break times—the growing addiction to diet cold drinks. Especially among the youth, particularly Gen Z, diet coke and sugar-free soft drinks are being embraced as “healthy alternatives.” But are they truly good for health, or are they a silent threat becoming a new habit?

According to doctors and health experts, while diet drinks may not contain sugar, the artificial sweeteners they do contain—such as aspartame and sucralose—can impact the body’s metabolism when consumed over the long term. Some research suggests these sweet substitutes can increase appetite and may also trigger symptoms like migraines, anxiety, and insomnia.

Despite this, the younger generation continues to consider them a “guilt-free” drinking option. Thanks to social media and clever branding, they are marketed as companions to fitness, but excessive consumption is gradually turning into an addiction.

Experts suggest that if you’re craving something cold to drink, options like coconut water, lemon juice, or fruit-infused water are much better and safer alternatives.

This habit of consuming diet cold drinks reflects the modern generation’s desire to “appear healthy,” but ignoring the hidden health risks can prove costly. Real health lies in having the right information and maintaining balance.