In what year was Diet Coke first introduced?

Diet Coke was first introduced in 1982.

The Coca-Cola Company unveiled the drink on July 8, 1982, in New York City, then expanded it across the United States. It was a major milestone because it was the first new brand to use the Coca-Cola trademark since the company was founded in 1886. The product was formulated as a sugar-free, low-calorie cola and became an immediate competitor to Diet Pepsi.

Diet Coke’s development was influenced by the success of Coca-Cola’s earlier diet drink, Tab. Coca-Cola had originally avoided putting its flagship name on a diet product, but changing consumer tastes and the popularity of rival diet colas led the company to launch a Coca-Cola-branded alternative. Diet Coke used a recipe distinct from regular Coca-Cola, rather than simply removing sugar from the original formula.

The beverage was marketed as Coca-Cola Light in many international markets. Caffeine-Free Diet Coke followed in 1983, while flavored versions arrived later. A common mix-up is confusing Diet Coke’s 1982 launch with Tab’s 1963 introduction or Diet Pepsi’s 1964 debut.