Diet Cherry Coke is back in 2026. Also called Diet Coke Cherry, Coca-Cola’s zero-sugar, zero-calorie cherry-flavored Diet Coke began returning to stores across the United States and Canada in February 2026. The nationwide relaunch brought updated packaging, with 12-fl-oz cans sold in 12-packs and individual 20-fl-oz bottles.
A standard 12-fl-oz can contains 0 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and 34 mg of caffeine. Although it shares some similarities with regular Cherry Coke and Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar, Diet Cherry Coke has its own flavor profile and sweetener blend. You can find it at major retailers, but prices and availability depend on your location.
Is Diet Cherry Coke Discontinued or Back in 2026?
Diet Cherry Coke is no longer discontinued in the United States. On February 2, 2026, Coca-Cola announced the nationwide return of Diet Coke Cherry, bringing the drink back to a wider market after years of limited availability.
The 2026 release features refreshed packaging with familiar Diet Coke branding and cherry imagery. Unlike the limited-edition version previously sold in select markets, the nationwide release does not use retro-inspired packaging.
The announced US formats include:
- 12-fl-oz cans: Sold in 12-packs containing a total of 144 fl oz.
- 20-fl-oz bottles: Individual bottles for people who prefer a single serving on the go.
Diet Cherry Coke also made a permanent return to Great Britain in January 2026, following a limited-edition release in October 2025. According to the British relaunch announcement, the drink is available there in 300-mL cans, 500-mL bottles, 2-liter bottles, and multipacks of 330-mL cans.
The US and British releases use different packaging sizes, and ingredients may vary by country. While the drink has returned nationwide, individual stores may still run out or choose not to stock every format.
Diet Cherry Coke Nutrition Facts, Ingredients and Caffeine
Diet Cherry Coke offers the familiar taste of cherry cola without the sugar or calories found in regular sweetened soda. It does, however, contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and acidic ingredients.
Here are the official US nutrition facts for a standard 12-fl-oz (355-mL) can.
| Nutrition information | Amount per 12 fl oz |
| Calories | 0 |
| Total fat | 0 g |
| Total carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Total sugar | 0 g |
| Added sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Caffeine | 34 mg |
What Ingredients Are in Diet Cherry Coke?
The current US ingredient list includes carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate (to protect taste), aspartame, natural flavors, acesulfame potassium, and caffeine.
Aspartame and acesulfame potassium provide sweetness without adding sugar. Phosphoric acid contributes to the drink’s acidity, while natural flavors give it its distinctive cherry-cola taste.
A 12-fl-oz serving contains 34 mg of caffeine, compared with 46 mg in regular Diet Coke. That makes the cherry version slightly lower in caffeine, though it is not caffeine-free.
Diet Cherry Coke also carries a phenylalanine warning because it contains aspartame. People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited metabolic disorder, must avoid or restrict this sweetener.
What Does Diet Cherry Coke Taste Like?
Diet Cherry Coke combines Diet Coke’s crisp, lighter cola taste with a noticeable cherry flavor. Rather than using the high-fructose corn syrup found in regular Cherry Coke, it gets its sweetness from non-sugar sweeteners.
Compared with plain Diet Coke, the cherry version adds a fruity note while maintaining the same zero-sugar, zero-calorie profile.
But does the 2026 version taste exactly like the original? That is harder to confirm. Coca-Cola has brought back the familiar Diet Coke-and-cherry combination, but there is no independently established evidence that the relaunched formula is identical to earlier versions.
Taste also comes down to personal preference. Diet Cherry Coke retains Diet Coke’s distinctive character, while Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar is based on Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which is designed to taste closer to original Coca-Cola.
Diet Cherry Coke vs. Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, and Cherry Coke Zero Sugar
These drinks may share Coca-Cola branding, but they differ in flavor, sugar content, sweeteners, and caffeine.
The following comparison uses standard US formulations and nutrition information for Coca-Cola’s cherry-flavored products.
| Drink | Flavor profile | Calories | Sugar | Caffeine |
| Diet Cherry Coke | Diet Coke with cherry flavor | 0 | 0 g | 34 mg |
| Diet Coke | Distinctive lighter diet cola | 0 | 0 g | 46 mg |
| Coca-Cola Cherry | Original Coca-Cola flavor with cherry | 150 | 42 g | 34 mg |
| Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar | Coca-Cola Zero Sugar-style cola with cherry | 0 | 0 g | 34 mg |
Values are for standard US 12-fl-oz servings.
Regular Cherry Coke contains sugar and calories, while the other three drinks contain neither.
Diet Cherry Coke uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium to provide sweetness. Standard US Diet Coke uses aspartame, while Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar has a separate zero-sugar formulation.
The main distinction is the underlying cola flavor. Diet Cherry Coke keeps the recognizable taste of Diet Coke, while Cherry Coke Zero Sugar aims for a flavor closer to traditional Coca-Cola with added cherry notes.
For a closer look at how the two underlying colas differ, see our Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke comparison, which covers taste, ingredients, caffeine, and nutritional differences.
Where to Buy Diet Cherry Coke in 2026
Diet Cherry Coke is sold through major US grocery chains, mass retailers, and online shopping services. However, not every store carries both the cans and bottles, so checking local inventory before shopping is worthwhile.
Retailers with product listings include:
- Walmart: Diet Cherry Coke 12-pack cans, with prices varying by store.
- Target: 12-pack cans and individual 20-fl-oz bottles, depending on local stock.
- Kroger: Diet Cherry Coke 12-packs, with availability and pricing determined by location.
- H-E-B: 12-pack cans, subject to store-specific inventory.
Prices can vary with promotions, location, taxes, bottle deposits, and delivery fees. Multipacks may cost less per fluid ounce than individual bottles, but comparing current unit prices will give you a more accurate picture of the value.
To find Diet Cherry Coke near you, check Coca-Cola’s product locator or enter your ZIP code on a retailer’s website. Depending on the store, you may be able to arrange shipping, home delivery, or pickup. Confirm that your preferred size is in stock before placing an order or making a trip.
The nationwide relaunch confirmed 12-pack cans and 20-fl-oz bottles. Availability of individual 12-oz cans or fountain servings may differ by location and should not be assumed.
Is Diet Cherry Coke a Healthy Choice?
Replacing regular sugary soda with Diet Cherry Coke can help reduce added sugar and calorie intake. Since a 12-fl-oz serving contains no sugar or carbohydrates, it may also appeal to people who monitor their carbohydrate consumption.
Still, being sugar-free does not automatically make a drink healthy in every respect.
The FDA considers approved sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium safe under their established conditions of use. Its guidance on aspartame and other sweeteners also explains why people with PKU need to avoid or restrict aspartame. Anyone sensitive to caffeine should consider the drink’s caffeine content as well.
There are dental considerations, too. Diet Cherry Coke contains acids that may contribute to enamel erosion with frequent exposure. The American Dental Association’s dental erosion guidance identifies regular consumption of acidic soft drinks as a risk factor, even when those drinks contain no sugar.
Switching from sugary soda to a zero-sugar alternative can reduce sugar consumption, but it does not guarantee weight loss or better long-term metabolic health. Your overall eating habits and beverage choices still matter, and water remains a better option for everyday hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Diet Cherry Coke contain real cherry juice?
Cherry juice is not listed among the ingredients in the current US formulation. The drink contains natural flavors that contribute to its cherry taste, but Coca-Cola does not publicly disclose the complete flavor blend. The ingredient list therefore does not establish exactly which flavoring sources are used.
Is there a caffeine-free version of Diet Cherry Coke?
Coca-Cola’s current US product information lists Diet Cherry Coke with 34 mg of caffeine per 12-fl-oz serving. It does not list a caffeine-free Diet Cherry Coke variety. If you want a caffeine-free option, regular Caffeine Free Diet Coke is available, although it does not have the same cherry flavor.
