Diet Rite

Diet Rite

Type	Diet Cola
Manufacturer	Keurig Dr Pepper
Country of origin	United States
Introduced	1958
Color	Caramel
Variants	Multiple flavors
Related products	Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Pepsi Max

Diet Rite is an American brand of calorie-free soft drinks originally marketed by the RC Cola company. It was one of the first diet soft drinks to be distributed nationally in the United States. Diet Rite is currently owned and manufactured by Keurig Dr Pepper.

History

Diet Rite was introduced in 1958 as a dietetic product, initially targeted at consumers with diabetes who needed to control their calorie intake. The drink was sweetened with cyclamate and saccharin, which were among the first artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas. In the 1960s, Diet Rite became popular among people trying to lose weight, expanding its market beyond those with diabetes.

In the early 1970s, concerns about the safety of cyclamates arose, leading to their ban by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1969. This led to a reformulation of Diet Rite, which then used saccharin as its sole sweetener. Over the years, the formula has been adjusted multiple times, incorporating newer sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.

Product Variants

Diet Rite has been available in multiple flavors over the years, including Cola, White Grape, Tangerine, Red Raspberry, and Cherry Cola. Each variant maintains the brand's commitment to zero calories, zero caffeine, and zero sodium.

Market Impact

Diet Rite was significant in the diet soft drink market, paving the way for competitors such as Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke. Its early entry into the market established a significant consumer base and it remains a popular choice among diet cola beverages.

Health Considerations

Like other diet sodas, Diet Rite offers a calorie-free alternative to sugared colas. However, the health impacts of long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners are still a subject of scientific research and debate. Consumers often choose diet sodas as part of a calorie-controlled diet but are advised to consume them in moderation.

See Also

• Soft drink
• Diet Coke
• Diet Pepsi
• Aspartame controversy