Diet Coke Is Finally Returning to McDonald’s Australia After Nearly Four Years
Diet Coke fans, your patience has finally paid off.
McDonald’s Australia has confirmed that Diet Coke is coming back to its menus, nearly four years after the fast-food giant quietly removed it from restaurants across the country.
For the many Aussies who have been grudgingly ordering a Coke No Sugar at the drive-thru, this is very welcome news. Here’s everything you need to know.
Diet Coke Is Back at Macca’s
McDonald’s confirmed the news this week, saying the decision came in response to customer feedback.
A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson said the company had heard the calls for Diet Coke and was “excited to confirm it’s coming back to Macca’s”, adding that the move gives customers more choice when it comes to their favourite drinks.
With Diet Coke back on the menu, McDonald’s restaurants will now serve three Coca-Cola options: Coke Classic, Coke No Sugar and Diet Coke.
When Will It Be at Your Local McDonald’s?
Don’t panic if your nearest Macca’s doesn’t have it yet.
Diet Coke is rolling out in stages rather than launching everywhere at once. McDonald’s says it has started arriving at restaurants across Australia and will keep landing on menus over the coming months.
Once it reaches your local, you’ll be able to choose it as part of McDonald’s meal deals, so you can pair it with your usual Big Mac and fries.
Why Was Diet Coke Removed in the First Place?
McDonald’s Australia took post-mix Diet Coke off its fountain drink taps nationwide in early January 2023. At the time, the chain chose to focus its soft drink line-up on Coke Classic and its no-sugar alternative.
The decision didn’t go down well. Disappointed fans started online petitions asking McDonald’s to bring the drink back, and plenty of customers took to social media to complain. A common argument was that Diet Coke and Coke No Sugar taste completely different, and that one isn’t a substitute for the other.
Diet Coke vs Coke No Sugar: Why Fans Care
To many people, the difference between the two drinks is obvious. Both are sugar-free, but they have distinct flavours, and loyal fans of each tend to be firmly in one camp.
Diet Coke has a long history in Australia. It launched in the US in 1982 and arrived here the following year, taking over from Coca-Cola’s earlier low-sugar drink, Tab.
Coca-Cola’s zero-sugar cola launched in Australia in 2006, and by 2008 it had overtaken Diet Coke as the country’s second most popular Coca-Cola drink, after Coke Classic. Even so, Diet Coke kept a devoted following.
The “Fridge Cigarette” Effect
Diet Coke has also had a cultural moment online. Social media users have nicknamed an ice-cold can of Diet Coke a “fridge cigarette”, describing the small ritual of cracking one open as a mid-afternoon break.
For many fans, the fizz of a fresh post-mix Diet Coke from McDonald’s has been one of the things they missed most since 2023.
A Long Partnership Between McDonald’s and Coca-Cola
McDonald’s has served Coca-Cola drinks since it opened its first Australian restaurant in Yagoona, Sydney, in 1971. The two brands have kept a close partnership ever since, so Diet Coke’s return feels like a natural fit.
The Bottom Line
After nearly four years, petitions and plenty of online complaints, Diet Coke is officially returning to McDonald’s Australia. It may take a few weeks or months to reach your local restaurant, but when it does, you’ll be able to order it with your favourite meal again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diet Coke back at McDonald’s Australia?
Yes. McDonald’s Australia has confirmed that Diet Coke is returning to its menus nationwide.
When will Diet Coke be available at my local McDonald’s?
The rollout is happening in stages. Some restaurants already have it, and others will receive it over the coming months.
Can I get Diet Coke with a McDonald’s meal?
Yes. Once it arrives at your local restaurant, Diet Coke will be available as part of McDonald’s meal deals.
Why did McDonald’s Australia remove Diet Coke?
McDonald’s removed Diet Coke from its restaurants in January 2023 and focused its soft drink menu on Coke Classic and its no-sugar alternative.
