Coca-Cola launched Diet Coke in the United States in 1982.
Diet Coke was The Coca-Cola Company’s first brand to use the Coca-Cola name. It was introduced as a sugar-free soft drink and quickly became a major addition to the company’s portfolio.
The product arrived during growing consumer interest in reduced-calorie beverages. Its launch followed Tab, a diet soft drink introduced by Coca-Cola in 1963, but Diet Coke used the company’s most valuable brand name directly.
Diet Coke’s recipe and sweetener systems have changed in different markets and at different times. This can cause confusion when people compare ingredient lists across countries or years. The original United States launch date, however, is consistently identified as 1982.