7 Surprising Milestones in the History of Zero-Calorie Drinks

The Launch of Diet Soda

The launch of diet soda in the 1950s marked a major milestone in the history of zero-calorie drinks. The first diet soda, No-Cal, was introduced in 1952 by Hyman Kirsch, primarily targeting diabetics and those seeking to reduce sugar intake. However, it wasn't until the release of Diet Rite Cola in 1958 that diet sodas gained mainstream popularity. This was a pivotal moment as it demonstrated the potential market for zero-calorie beverages and set the stage for future innovations. The success of Diet Rite Cola inspired other major beverage companies to develop their own diet versions, leading to the widespread availability of diet sodas that we see today.