This 1-Ingredient Diet Coke Upgrade Is Taking Over the Internet.

There’s always something new and exciting to try regarding the latest viral trends. Diet Coke lovers have recently discovered a new twist, creating quite the buzz.

Forget about the old “dirty soda” trend; there’s a fresh, one-ingredient upgrade to your favorite cola that’s taking the internet by storm. It’s simple and unexpected, and Diet Coke fans are giving it a try.

But first, let’s revisit where the “dirty soda” phenomenon began and why the new trend is making waves.

How Dirty Soda Became a Trend

If you haven’t heard of Dirty Soda, it first blew up online thanks to pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo. In 2021, the “Good Four U” singer posted a picture of herself holding a Swig cup—a well-known soda shop in Utah famous for its dirty sodas.

That Instagram post ignited a TikTok craze, and everyone had been talking about it for a long time.

But the real origin of dirty soda goes even deeper. It’s a long-standing favorite within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) community. With a doctrine that encourages members to avoid alcohol, coffee, and tea, soda became a fun alternative.

Dirty soda takes it to the next level by combining cola (or root beer, citrus soda, etc.) with flavored syrup and cream.

In Utah, soda shops like Swig are everywhere—think of them as coffee shops for the Mormon community. These soda shops serve all kinds of fizzy, creamy, sweet combinations perfect for anyone looking for a caffeine hit without the coffee.

The hit Hulu show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives recently brought this quirky, delicious tradition back into the limelight. Featuring a group of Mormon mom influencers, the show follows the stars as they hit up Swig for their favorite drinks.

Think 44-ounce cups filled with Mountain Dew, coconut cream, mango purée, and more.

The Protein Shake Twist a New Diet Coke Trend Emerges

After the show’s success, TikTok users jumped on board, recreating these dirty soda recipes with a twist. However, the latest Diet Coke trend brings something entirely different: protein shakes.

Yes, you read that right—Diet Coke with protein shakes.

TikTok user Rebecca Gordon was among the first to highlight the new trend, posting, “Welcome to Utah, where protein Diet Coke is currently trending.” It’s a simple idea that has sparked curiosity all over social media: take your usual Diet Coke and mix in a vanilla protein shake of your choice.

My Experience with the Protein Diet Coke Trend

Of course, with all the hype, I had to try this Diet Coke upgrade. I grabbed a Fairlife Core Power Vanilla High Protein Milk Shake and headed to my favorite soda fountain for Diet Coke. I figured the fountain version would give me the best shot at recreating the trend (since, let’s face it, soda tastes better from a fountain).

I filled my cup mostly with Diet Coke, then added a splash of the vanilla protein shake, just enough to change the color slightly. With a little stir, the drink transformed into a creamy-looking concoction that reminded me of Vanilla Coke.

What It Tasted Like

As I took my first sip, I was ready for a delicious fusion of Diet Coke and vanilla shake. But, to my surprise, that wasn’t what I got.

Despite the protein shake tasting like a sweet, melted vanilla milkshake, once mixed with the Diet Coke, both flavors seemed to disappear. The Diet Coke lost its usual sweet, syrupy flavor, and the vanilla shake didn’t add much. Instead of complementing each other, the flavors just… canceled each other.

The result? It was a drink that tasted like a watered-down version of both, with neither flavor standing out.

Can This Trend Be Improved?

While this trend version didn’t work for me, there’s still potential here. Mixing soda with a protein shake is intriguing, but maybe Diet Coke isn’t the best match for vanilla.

Here’s how I’d improve it:

Pair the shake with a soda with vanilla notes: Root beer, Dr. Pepper, or even a Vanilla Coke would be great options. That way, instead of canceling out the vanilla, the flavors would build on each other.
Try different protein shake flavors: Chocolate, caramel, or even a fruity flavor might bring a new level of complexity to the soda, giving you a refreshing yet protein-packed drink.
Experiment with the ratio: Adding more or less protein shakes could make a difference. Finding the right balance might give you that creamy soda goodness without losing too much of the original flavor.

Dirty Soda Still the Reigning Favorite?

If you’re not ready to try a protein shake, you can always return to the original dirty soda formula. A splash of cream or flavored syrup in your cola will always be a fan favorite.

For a sweeter, more classic taste:

Try Torani syrups. Available in flavors like vanilla, caramel, and raspberry, these syrups let you create endless combinations.
Add coffee creamer: Want something creamy but with less protein punch? Coffee-mate works wonders and gives you a rich, dessert-like soda experience without overpowering the cola.

The original dirty soda may not be packed with protein, but it adds flavor.

Conclusion

While the protein shake Diet Coke trend may not have hit it out of the park for me, it’s an idea worth experimenting with. If you love trying new flavor combinations and want a fun way to mix your favorite drinks with a protein boost, this could be for you.

But if you’re looking for something tried and true, you can go right with a classic dirty soda with a bit of flavored syrup or cream. After all, there’s a reason it became such a sensation in the first place.

In the end, whether you’re a fan of dirty soda or want to experiment with protein shakes, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade your soda and make it your own.