Gen Z are now opting for 'fridge cigarettes' instead of smoking
Instead of reaching for something harmful to your health like tobacco or nicotine, Gen Z are officially addicted to 'fridge cigarettes', to take off the edge in a different way.
This new TikTok trend is most certainly a healthier alternative to cigarettes or vaping (it hasn't been linked to causing cancer, for one), is much cheaper, and can be found waiting for you in your kitchen appliance, ready to crack open.
It's also right in time, as disposable vapes have now been banned across the UK. Maybe this is a sign that you should quit one for the other?
Don't be misled by the ominous name; these 'fridge cigarettes' have nothing to do with the inhalation of smoke; the only thing you might be breathing in are the carbonated fizzles that can sometimes end up in your nose if you drink it too quickly.
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Members of Gen Z have taken to social media to highlight their new obsession, captioning: "Overheard someone call a Diet Coke a 'fridge cigarette' and nothing's been more true to me since."
A can of a fresh, cold, Diet Coke may be the thing you need to relieve yourself from any stress or worry after a long day, and it may end up being your new addiction, apparently offering a similar feeling to finally inhaling from a cigarette during your reprieve of a smoking break (though it doesn't have any nicotine in it).
Recently, the Coca-Cola owned drink has taken the internet by storm, with over one million videos all gushing over one particular attribute of this beverage which makes it so incredibly moreish - namely how 'crispy' it feels.
A video uploaded on TikTok by a user with the handle @hauskris, who is one of many TikTokers that have jumped on the trend regarding the newfound craze surrounding Diet Coke, captioned one post: "It's so important to marinate your Diet Cokes!"
Others creators have shared the different ways to experience that perfect sip and the best way to achieve that glorious, refreshing taste.
One video, posted by @reallyrachelreno which has reached over 3.5 million views, truly cements the 'fridge cigarettes' trend as viral with comments below seeing viewers shouting their agreement while stating their own love for the 'fridge cigarette' and even connecting other fizzy drinks with nicotine-related names.
"Man I could use a fridge cigarette rn," chirped one viewer while another stated: "And flavoured sparkling water is fridge nicorette!"
By claiming Diet Coke as a 'fridge cigarette', people could also argue this is the healthier alternative to nicotine-filled cigarettes, possibly justifying their new obsession with the carbonated drink - whatever makes you sleep at night, I guess.
Cigarettes are known to be a leading factor in multiple health issues, including increasing the risk of lung cancer.
The viral 'fridge cigarette' promotes itself as the sugar-free and calorie-free alternative to the original, famously red in colour, Coca Cola.
However, with its inclusion of artificial sweeteners and various additives, it is still not the healthiest addiction you could have in your diet, and comes with its own health risks when consumed a lot.
Still, it's a lot less worse than actual cigarettes. Gen Z are paving the way for the 'fridge cigarette' to be the next best guilty pleasure, and we cannot wait for our next hit of a tasty Diet Coke.
Merryn Hobson