Diet Coke, Coke Light, Fountain Drinks and Italy…

Time for a random thought about my beverage choices in Italy.

Anyone who knows me, will testify to the fact that I am a Diet Coke addict.  I drink way more Diet Coke than I should, but I love the stuff! Given a choice, I will drink Diet Coke from the fountain at Sonic with that really perfect crushed ice only Sonic uses.

Sadly, it is not an option in Italy.

On the economy, Diet Coke is not available. Instead, the substitute is Coke Light. Don’t let the similar can fool you. It is not the same. I’m not sure what sweetener is used, but it is possibly saccharin. It just tastes off. I don’t care for it. No fountain drinks, either, for the most part.

Thank goodness for the commissary, right?

Well, not quite.

Because I was not quite clear on my preference, I like Diet Coke on ice…in a glass. I really prefer to purchase my Diet Coke in a 2-liter bottle, if no fountain drinks are available.  Unfortunately, the commissary has some sweet deal with the Pepsi Corporation. Only Pepsi products are available in 2-liter bottles. No bottles of Diet Coke.

Oh, I can buy Diet Coke at the commissary. I have to buy it in cans, though. For some reason, it just doesn’t taste as good! It sure doesn’t stop me from buying the cans, though!

So, for those of you here in Italy…we will just have to survive on Diet Coke cans.

For my family and friends in the U.S., enjoy your Diet Coke. Oh, and send me your Coke Rewards Points, I need some new magazines!