Diet Coke Cola is the most popular sugar-free soft drink in America. It's the original sparkling beverage for those who want great flavor without the calories--a drink for those with great taste. Diet Coke was born in 1982 and quickly became the number one sugar-free drink in diet-conscious America. Known as Coca-Cola Light in some countries, it's now the number three soft drink in the world. Diet Coke is the drink for people who want no calories, but plenty of taste.