Top 10 reasons why Americans: Eat Big but Drink Light!

Calorie Balance Mindset: Many people feel they’re balancing out a high-calorie meal with a low-calorie drink. This is often based on the idea that a diet soda, with close to zero calories, offsets the hundreds (or even thousands) of calories consumed in fast foods. According to a survey by the Calorie Control Council, 34% of Americans try to make “lighter” choices with certain items, even if they indulge in others.

Habit and Taste Preferences: A significant portion of Americans have grown up with or have gotten used to diet drinks. Popular brands like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi were introduced in the 1980s, and now many people prefer the taste of diet sodas. This loyalty is reflected in sales data; for instance, Diet Coke remains one of the top-selling soft drinks in the U.S., with millions of Americans choosing it daily over regular Coke due to its familiar taste.

Perceived Healthiness: Because diet drinks are marketed as "healthier," some Americans see choosing a diet drink as a conscious, health-positive choice. Research by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health found that about 40% of people believe diet sodas are a healthier option, as they contain no sugar and fewer calories.

Reducing Sugar Intake: With sugar intake linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, people are increasingly aware of the risks. While they might still indulge in fast food, opting for a diet drink helps reduce the overall sugar load. The American Heart Association notes that Americans consume an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day, far above the recommended 6-9 teaspoons, and diet drinks help some people cut down.

Supporting Weight Loss Goals: Even when eating high-calorie meals, some people are working towards weight management goals and see diet drinks as part of this effort. A study from the journal Obesity showed that people who swapped sugary drinks for diet sodas lost more weight over time. Although they enjoy a burger, choosing diet soda may psychologically support their broader dietary efforts.

Avoiding "Guilt" After Indulgence: Eating foods high in fat and calories can lead to feelings of guilt or regret, so pairing them with a diet drink helps alleviate these feelings. In a 2021 food psychology study, around 45% of people reported feeling less guilty about an indulgent meal if they added a low-calorie option like a diet drink to “balance it out.”

Influence of Marketing: Diet drinks are heavily marketed as healthy, refreshing, and smart choices, often featuring phrases like "zero calories" and "no sugar." This has been effective in shaping consumer perceptions. For example, Coca-Cola spent over $3 billion on advertising in 2021 alone, reinforcing the idea that diet sodas are a positive choice even if other foods are high in calories.

Health Concerns: Many people drink diet soda to avoid excessive sugar intake, which can lead to high blood sugar and even prediabetes. About 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 96 million are prediabetic, according to the CDC. For many, diet soda is a practical solution to reduce sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Enjoyment of Carbonation Without Calories: The bubbly, refreshing feel of a carbonated drink is often desired with meals, especially fast food. Diet drinks allow people to enjoy this experience without the caloric or sugar load, which is why Americans consumed nearly 3 billion gallons of diet soda in 2021 alone.

Social Norms and Culture: Diet drinks have become part of the American dining culture, making it common to see people pair a burger or fries with a diet soda. This has evolved to the point that it's almost a “normal” part of the fast-food experience. Studies in consumer behavior have shown that cultural habits and social influence often dictate food choices more than nutrition alone.