History of Diet Coke in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 9, 2025

Diet Coke is a sugar-free and low-calorie soft drink created by the Coca-Cola Company. Introduced in the United States in 1982, it utilizes artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. It was the first new brand to use the Coca-Cola trademark since Coca-Cola's creation. Diet Coke quickly surpassed the company's previous diet cola offering, Tab, in popularity and sales.

1958: Diet Rite introduced

In 1958, Diet Rite was introduced, marking the entry of diet colas into the market. This event occurred before the Coca-Cola Company decided to use the Coca-Cola name for its own diet cola.

1963: Tab Released

In 1963, Coca-Cola released its diet cola named Tab, due to a long-standing company policy of using the Coca-Cola name only on its flagship cola.

1964: Diet Pepsi Launched

In 1964, Pepsi launched Diet Pepsi. Its success prompted Coca-Cola to later introduce a competing sugar-free brand under the Coca-Cola name.

1970: Cyclamates Banned in the U.S.

In 1970, Cyclamates were banned in the U.S.

July 8, 1982: Diet Coke Unveiled

On July 8, 1982, Diet Coke, a sugar-free and low-calorie soft drink, was unveiled by the Coca-Cola Company, marking the first new brand to use the Coca-Cola trademark since 1886.

1982: Diet Coke Launched

In 1982, Diet Coke was launched by Coca-Cola, and it quickly overtook Tab in sales.

1983: Aspartame Used in Diet Coke

In 1983, Diet Coke in the U.S. was sweetened with aspartame, an artificial sweetener.

1985: New Coke Introduced

In 1985, the controversial New Coke was introduced, using a version of the Diet Coke recipe with high-fructose corn syrup and a slightly different balance of ingredients.

2005: Coca-Cola Zero Introduced

In 2005, Coca-Cola Zero was introduced. It is a sugar-free formula more closely based on original Coca-Cola.

2005: Diet Coke Sweetened with Splenda Released

In 2005, under pressure from Walmart, a new formulation called "Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda" was released. It featured sucralose and acesulfame potassium replacing aspartame.