Latest news with #DietCokes
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Gen Z tobacco phobes may be skipping smoke breaks — but they're addicted to ‘fridge cigarettes' instead
They're too wellness-obsessed to spark a Marlboro, but Gen Z is popping open Diet Cokes like they're nicotine patches in a can. The latest viral vice lighting up TikTok? The 'fridge cigarette' — a.k.a. a crisp can of DC, straight from the fridge, enjoyed with all the ceremonial reverence of a smoke break, minus the tar and tobacco. 'Overheard someone call Diet Coke a 'fridge cigarette' and nothing's been more true to me since,' TikTokker @reallyrachelreno declared in a now-viral video with over 3.5 million views. Caption? 'Time for a crispy ciggy in the summer.' 3 TikTok's latest guilty pleasure? The 'fridge cigarette' — a cold can of Diet Coke cracked open like a ritual smoke break, no tobacco, just fizz and flair. In other words: Clean Girl is out. Crispy Girl is in. Another TikTok convert, @thejessiesimpson, sipped a Diet Coke at her office desk while quoting the phrase in white text over her video: 'Just read where someone referred to a Diet Coke as a 'fridge cigarette' and I haven't read anything truer since.' Commenters couldn't agree more. 'I call it a CDC 'Crispy Diet Coke' lol,' one fan wrote. 'I legit never ever drink soda. Have never. Recently though? Obsessed with my daily Diet Coke. Idk what's going on..' another confessed. One simply wrote: 'I felt that in my soul!' @reallyrachelreno took it further, comparing sodas to smokes: Diet Coke is Parliaments, Coke Zero is American Spirits, regular Coke is Marlboro Reds — and full-fat Coke in a glass bottle? That's a cigar. Mentions of Menthols were, naturally, slanderous. Snaxshot writer Andrea Hernández summed it up perfectly in a recent newsletter, as reported by Fast Company: 'Gen Z is obsessed with Diet Coke. What is now being dubbed as 'fridge cigarettes' has earned a cultural cachet without Coca-Cola having to do anything . . . but focus on delivering on taste and product.' Even Coca-Cola is leaning into the nostalgia. A spokesperson told The Sun the brand's beverages are 'perfectly safe and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.' That said, as previously reported by The Post, experts warn the cult-fave crispies come with their own risks — and we're not just talking about caffeine jitters. 'Diet Coke, like other carbonated beverages, is highly acidic,' Dr. Raj Juneja told The Sun. 3 Gen Z can't quit their Diet Coke fix — and they're calling it a 'fridge cigarette.' The cult classic's cool-again status didn't cost Coke a dime in marketing. 3 They won't light up a Marlboro — but Gen Z's cracking open Diet Cokes like fizzy little nicotine patches in a can in a new trend. 'The acidity of Diet Coke can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time.' That weakened enamel 'can become more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity,' he added. Orthodontist Dr. Khaled Kasem advises sipping through a straw and chasing with water, as he said to the outlet. 'Insulin is released by our body in response to foods… and it helps those nutrients get into our body,' Dr. Matthew Snelson also noted to the publication. But he clarified, 'There's no evidence that the types of sweeteners used in Diet Coke (specifically: aspartame, acesulfame K) affect insulin.' Still, artificial sweeteners have been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes — and WHO recently warned they're not a great tool for weight loss. Bottom line? The 'fridge cig' might not kill you like actual cigs can — but it's still not doctor-approved. As one TikTok user put it best: 'Wow, that's so real. It just takes the edge off.'
Business Insider
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I tried chicken tender meals from McDonald's and Chick-fil-A. One chain served up juicier tenders.
McDonald's recently launched chicken strips as part of its McCrispy line of products, which also includes the chain's chicken sandwich. In a comparison of Chick-fil-A and McDonald's chicken sandwiches, I ranked the McDonald's version higher than Chick-fil-A, so I was eager to see if the burger chain's chicken strips could also beat out the legacy chicken chain. I ordered a four-piece chicken strip meal, which came with a medium order of fries, a medium drink, and two sauces. I chose the chain's creamy chili sauce, which was launched alongside the chicken strips for pairing. For my drink, I ordered a Diet Coke from both chains. The cost of my meal at McDonald's came to $16.59, excluding tax and fees. The chicken strips came in a cardboard carton. The chicken strips were large and evenly coated in crispy breading. Unlike other chains' chicken tenders, these ones wouldn't exactly be described as flaky. They're more similar to a very long chicken nugget. The chicken strips differ slightly from the chain's buttermilk crispy tenders, which were discontinued in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Until now, chicken tenders have failed to return to menus, despite fans' pleas to bring them back. Each bite was evenly coated in well-seasoned, peppery breading. The strips paired excellently with the creamy chili dipping sauce. The chain's new creamy chili sauce was created to go with the new chicken strips, and they paired well. The sauce tasted similar to a Sriracha aioli and added just the right amount of spice without being too overwhelming. The creamy dipping sauce clung to every crevice of the chicken strip, ensuring maximum flavor. The meat inside the tender was a little lacking, however. In a master ranking of 11 fast-food chicken tenders, I ranked McDonald's chicken tenders higher than Chick-fil-A's. However, upon a second try, I wasn't so sure. The chicken tenders were slightly thinner and had less shreddable chicken than I remembered from my first taste test, suggesting the quality could be subject to change based on the batch you get. However, I still really enjoyed them. The meal also came with fries and a drink. Though some might argue that all Diet Cokes taste the same, I disagree. I'm a huge fan of McDonald's Diet Coke, which comes with just the right amount of ice and is always perfectly refreshing. The fries also impressed me — they were salty and crispy, and also paired well with the creamy chili dipping sauce. I also ordered a four-piece chicken tender meal from Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A has been selling its beloved chicken tenders since 1989, though it didn't launch the chain's signature sauce until the early 2000s. The meal cost $19.89, excluding tax and fees. It came with a medium drink, a medium order of waffle fries, and three sauces. The chicken tenders were evenly fried, but coated with loose, flaky pieces of breading. At first glance, these tenders were noticeably thicker than the McDonald's chicken strips. They also had a lighter, more golden color to them rather than the almost-brown color of the fried chicken strips from McDonald's. The chicken strips paired well with the chain's signature sauce. The chicken tenders really impressed me. They were crunchy yet filled with thick, juicy shreds of chicken meat. I was surprised to find I actually preferred the chicken tenders from Chick-fil-A over the ones from McDonald's. The seasoning was peppery, like the breading on the McDonald's strips, but it had a slightly briny flavor, adding even more flavor. The chicken tenders were also much thicker, making the meal slightly more filling. The meal came with crispy waffle fries. The waffle fries were crispy yet pillowy — the potato inside seemed fluffier than the potato in McDonald's fries, which were more heavily fried. They were also an ideal vehicle for the Chick-fil-A sauce — I was able to practically scoop it up with the fries, which was mouthwatering. I had to give the win to Chick-fil-A, though I still thought McDonald's offered excellent value. I preferred Chick-fil-A's thick and juicy chicken tenders to McDonald's's more heavily fried, crispy tenders. I also liked the fluffy waffle fries in the Chick-fil-A meal more than the crunchy fries from McDonald's. They were a better vehicle for the chain's signature sauce. However — shocking, I know — I actually preferred the creamy chili sauce from McDonald's. It packed more flavor than the Chick-fil-A sauce, thanks to the slight kick from the chili peppers, but it was still creamy enough to evenly coat the chicken strips. When it came down to value, I thought McDonald's won. The Chick-fil-A meal was over $3 more expensive than the McDonald's meal. In terms of value, it had the chicken chain beat.
Metro
30-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
This is how much water you should really drink every day, according to your age
We all know we should be drinking more water, but for many of us, our daily fluid intake often involves one too many crisp Diet Cokes at our desk and some wine after work. Buying giant Stanley Cups might encourage some to consume a little more H2O, but for others it'll take something drastic to get them to head to the tap. Our bodies consist of 50% water and we lose some of this each day through breathing and sweating, so we need to ensure we're constantly replenishing this. If we didn't, we wouldn't survive for more than a few days. (Is that drastic enough for you?!) Not replenishing enough water each day can cause us to become dehydrated and according to Dr. Jonathan Webster, this can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. The Doctify GP tells Metro that there are several nasty side effects of dehydration, including headaches, confusion, tiredness, constipation, lack of concentration and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Never experienced a UTI? Count your blessings, as they can be agony. Trust me, it's not something you want to have to deal with. According to the NHS, most of us need between 1.5 to two litres per day and while plain old water is the best thing for this, it can also be consumed through various food and drink that contain water, such as tea and coffee, as well as things like milk, melon, soups and stews. This is a rather general recommendation though and the exact amount of fluid a person requires can vary by age and gender. Dr. Webster has shared a more detailed breakdown of how much we should be drinking each day, depending on the stage of life we're at. Young children, under the age of eight should aim for about 1.2 litres of fluids per day, according to Dr. Webster. This is the equivalent of six to eight 200ml glasses. 'Their bodies are still developing and hydration is crucial for brain function, digestion and regulating body temperature,' he explains. But the expert warns you'll likely have to encourage the little ones to drink regularly, as they might not be able to recognise that they are thirsty. Turns out teenagers need to drink more than most of us, especially those aged between 14 and 18. During this key period of growth, their hydration needs rise and water is essential for helping them maintain energy, support their metabolism and aid in muscle function. Teen boys need a little more water than girls and Dr. Webster recommends between 1.6 and 1.9 litres for them per day. For teenage girls, the requirement is a little less at 1.5 litres. For reference, 1.5L to two litres is the equivalent of about three to four pint glasses of water, so you can use this as a rough guide. The general advice for adults under the age of 60 is for men to drink two litres of water per day, and women to have 1.6 litres. However, Dr. Webster notes that factors such as excercise, climate and diet will influence individual needs. He states: 'Proper hydration helps with temperature regulation, kidney function and concentration.' Those over 60 should aim for an intake of between 1.6 and two litres per day and this goes for both men and women, as it's important everyone drinks enough as they get older. Dr. Webster says this is because our thirst sensation decreases with age, making dehydration more likely. Staying hydrated is a must as it supports joint health, digestion and helps to prevent urinary tract infections. The expert adds: 'Conscious effort to drink regularly is key.' According to the NHS, the best way to tell if you're dehydrated is to check the colour of your urine. If you're drinking enough fluids, it should be the colour of white wine. Any darker and you should probably go pour yourself a cup. According to healthcare professionals, the exact amount will vary depending on a person's age, gender, activity level, the climate and their overhaul health state. Dr. Nadira Awal, a Doctify rated GP, who is the founder of Pause and Co Healthcare, has shared a closer look at reasons why a person may need to drink more water. However, she shared an important disclaimer, saying that 'while these guidelines provide a general framework, the best indicator of appropriate hydration is frequently listening to your body's cues and examining the colour of your urine.' She continued: 'Thirst is a reliable indicator that your body requires more fluids, while pale yellow urine typically suggests enough hydration.' Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Dr. Awal claims a woman's water requirements rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She says: 'During pregnancy, the recommended intake is approximately 10 cups (2.3 litres) per day. This heightened demand persists after, particularly among lactating women. Lactating women should aim for about 13 cups (three litres) of water each day to support milk production and keep themselves hydrated.' Physical activity levels Exercise or strenuous physical work can 'drastically' raise fluid requirements. It is recommended that you drink two cups of water before starting exercise and then have one cup every 15 to 20 minutes of activity you carry out. Then continue to drink water after your workout to replenish any fluids lost through sweat. Climate and environment Where you live can also be a factor, depending on whether there's a lot of hot weather, or if you're at a high elevation. According to Dr. Awal, both of these things can cause increased fluid loss, as people tend to lose water through sweat and respiration. More Trending 'Individuals in these conditions should be especially mindful of their water intake, seeking to drink water on a regular basis throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty,' she advises. Health issues For those experiencing fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, it is critical to increase water intake to restore lost fluids and avoid becoming dehydeated. View More » Dr. Awal claims: 'The exact amount required will vary depending on the intensity and duration of the sickness, but in general, strive to drink enough to maintain urine pale and avoid thirst.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know MORE: We tried London's hottest new pizza spot that doesn't 'scrimp on the toppings' MORE: The biggest pros and cons to consider before taking weight loss jabs
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Daly Beating Tiger Woods Hung Over Viral Video Resurfaces
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. John Daly and Tiger Woods share a legendary and unpredictable bond. From fierce battles on the course to moments of pure comedy, their relationship has evolved over time, making them one of golf's iconic duos. At the moment, however, both Daly and Woods are missing from the professional golf scene. Woods is still on the long road to recovery after suffering a ruptured left Achilles. RANCHO SANTE FE, CA - JULY 25: John Daly and teammate Tiger Woods joke on the 1st tee during the Battle at the Bridges on July 25, 2005 at The Bridges at Rancho Sante Fe... RANCHO SANTE FE, CA - JULY 25: John Daly and teammate Tiger Woods joke on the 1st tee during the Battle at the Bridges on July 25, 2005 at The Bridges at Rancho Sante Fe in Rancho Sante Fe, California. (Photo by) More Getty Images Meanwhile, Daly, who initially snubbed the PGA Championship to compete in Senior Tour's first major, shocked fans by pulling out due to health concerns. Despite their absence, their impact on golf hasn't faded. A resurfaced video of Daly reliving a time when he allegedly beat Woods while drunk has once again taken off. John Daly explains how he defeated Tiger Woods drunk Every John Daly story is a Hall of Fame-worthy tale, but this one? This one is legendary. The man has built a reputation for living life on his own terms, whether it's chain-smoking on the course, pounding Diet Cokes, or, in this case, beating Tiger Woods while still drunk. Taking us back to 1994 at Sherwood Country Club, Daly found himself in a matchup with Woods, but while the 5-time Masters champion was hitting balls and working out, Daly was downing Jack Daniels at the bar, refusing to call it a night. As Daly recalled during an interview: "We had the roundtable at Sherwood and I had my bottle of Jack Daniels then. I just meet these guys, right? Tiger came in and I said, 'T, come have a drink with us, man.' And he said, 'No, I'm going to go hit some balls.' Hours passed, and Daly? He was still drinking. Legendary Daly story 💯 — Tour Golf (@PGATUOR) May 26, 2025 "A few hours later, I said again, 'Come have a drink with us.' Tiger said, 'No, I'm going to go work out.' This is going on for about 5 or 6 hours and we're still there just pounding, getting drunk, having a good time. I got a sponsorship out of it, which I was happy about." By the time Tiger walked in wearing a suit, Daly was barefoot, shirt untucked, and covered in spilled drinks. Confused, he asked Woods where he was going. "Tiger comes out in a suit and I go, 'Where are you going?' He says, 'I got a guitar on stage for you. You have to go to the dinner.' I didn't know anything about a dinner. I got no shoes on, I got my shirt tucked out, I got shit spilled all over me. Just drunk." With no other option, Daly stumbled to the dinner, grabbed a guitar, and belted out 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'—earning a standing ovation before calling it a night. Fast forward to the next morning, and Daly was still feeling the effects of the previous night. His caddie was just as hungover, but that didn't stop him from bringing Daly a Jack and Coke on the first tee. John Daly drives from the ninth tee during the second round of the PODS Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida on March 9, 2007. Daly later withdrew from the tournament. John Daly drives from the ninth tee during the second round of the PODS Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida on March 9, 2007. Daly later withdrew from the Daly stepped up, his caddie carefully navigated the cactuses, trying not to spill the drink. Meanwhile, Woods—who had spent the night preparing like a true professional—could only watch as Daly casually grabbed a 3-iron and launched his shot. "To make a long story short, I shoot like 65, he shoots like 71—he was shaking his head all day." Tiger Woods, one of the most dedicated, disciplined competitors in the sport, had just been outplayed by a guy who was still drunk from the night before. And that's peak John Daly—the man who defies expectations, plays by his own rules, and somehow still manages to beat one of the greatest golfers of all time. If only he had some of that same discipline taking care of himself, Daly's legend in majors and on the course could have been just as legendary as his off-course persona. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Turning Heads with Stunning Decision Ahead of US Open
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
German wine region already excited, bracing for potential Trump trip
Germany is already preparing for a potential US presidential visit, even though it hasn't yet been scheduled, with officials dusting off recipes and considering conversational topics. After all, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has already sent out an the invitation, saying he will travel to the idyllic Palatinate region to host US President Donald Trump - an area known for its wines. Trump is unlikely to be impressed by the region's fine Rieslings, as it is well known that the US president is a teetotaler, preferring to consume numerous Diet Cokes during the day. But Merz might like a glass of the well known local wine and the prospect of bringing Trump to the place where his ancestors came from might draw the Republican to accept. "I have invited him to come to Germany and visit us in his hometown of Bad Dürkheim," Merz said. The chancellor would travel there with him for a visit of great symbolic significance, for Germany, for trans-Atlantic relations as well as for the personal relationship between the two politicians. The invitation, amid global tensions, is friendly, but not without calculation. Merz knows the Palatinate from his military service, Trump knows it – if at all – only from stories. His paternal grandparents came from Kallstadt in the district of Bad Dürkheim before they emigrated at the end of the 19th century. Meanwhile in the area itself, known as the Wine Route, locals are fairly relaxed about the possible visit by such a celebrity. Kallstadt's mayor, Thomas Jaworek, is matter of fact about the possible visit. "I know nothing about any current plans," he says. Sure, a trip is conceivable but - ever practical - he notes that the former Trump houses on Freinsheimer Straße are now privately owned. "If we go there, the owners would be the first people we ask," says Jaworek. He would show the US president the "pretty wine-growing village" and take him to the church where Trump's grandparents were baptized. "I don't know if that means anything to him," says Jaworek. Visually, Kallstadt is appealing, with picturesque garden restaurants and half-timbered hotels. "We've already planted the flowers and spruced everything up for all the guests in the summer." If it comes to a chat, the mayor would like to talk to Trump about sustainability – especially since Kallstadt, with its Strategy 2030, is a model community in the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve. "Among other things, a new rainwater retention basin: these are issues that are of concrete concern to us locally." There is a world of difference between gestures and realities on the ground. The political dimension of such a visit is difficult to grasp, says David Sirakov, a political scientist. He sees potential for symbolic politics, saying any visit could have an impact "if the personal relationship between the chancellor and the president develops." But Sirakov, director of the Atlantic Academy Rhineland-Palatinate, notes that with Trump in particular, it's questionable whether "soft factors" such as places of origin or family history have any political relevance. "He appreciates clear statements and media-effective appearances," says Sirakov. Flower beds and village churches - not so much. US foreign policy under Trump is characterized by transactional thinking, says Sirakov, with less about a community of values, and more weighing up of interests. Germany must anticipate this – without currying favour. It is a balancing act: there should be no German appeasement policy, but European realism, he says, firmly. Merz's invitation, including a regional aspect, recalls former chancellor Helmut Kohl's "saumagen diplomacy." Saumagen is a pig's stomach that's been stuffed with pork, vegetables, herbs and spices and was Kohl's favourite meal. He invited state guests to his traditional dish in his native Palatinate to negotiate world politics in a pub. This time, the region is sorely worried about the tariffs threatened by Trump, which would be a severe test for the Rhineland-Palatinate economy. Meanwhile a partial withdrawal of US soldiers from the Ramstein air base – according to plans not implemented in 2020 – is also worrying to locals. Ramstein, also in the state, serves as the headquarters for the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM). It plays a key role in supporting military operations, particularly those deploying to Eastern Europe and Africa. Losing it would have serious consequences for the region. "The economic power of the US military presence can be estimated at more than $2 billion per fiscal year," says Ralf Hechler, mayor of the municipality of Ramstein near the base - including wages, rents and contracts for local companies. "If Trump lands in Ramstein, I would of course be happy to meet him," says Hechler. He has met Merz personally, he says. "And he knows Ramstein because he also served in the German Armed Forces in Kusel and Zweibrücken." A meeting with a mayor is probably not a priority for Trump. "But it would be important to improve German-American relations," says Hechler. Sure he says, you have to put up with a few things in long-standing friendships. "But you also have to nurture and cultivate them from time to time." The Rhineland-Palatinate state government notes that Kallstadt is home to the ancestors of both the Trump family and the Heinz family, known worldwide for Heinz Ketchup. They fled the bitter poverty of the Palatinate to the US in search of a better life and both families founded very successful companies. "This shows that successful integration can make an immigration country strong." Meanwhile state premier Alexander Schweitzer would take Trump to see Hambach Castle, the cradle of democracy. "He is also happy to offer his services as a Palatinate German/English translator." Plenty of US presidents have come to the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, from Ronald Reagan in Bitburg to George Bush senior in Mainz, to Bill Clinton in Ingelheim and Barack Obama in Landstuhl. Trump himself made refuelling stops in Ramstein in 2018 and 2019. Now, though, he could stop and visit a new US hospital being built not far from the air base. It is due for completion in 2027 - perhaps in the presence of Trump with Merz at his side - by then, surely at the latest.
