Real Housewives of New York Star Can’t Resist: ‘Smuggling’ an Entire Suitcase of Diet Coke

In a world where preferences can sometimes be hard to cater to, one individual took it upon herself to ensure her favorite beverage accompanied her on her European voyage.

Jill Zarin, a star from the “Real Housewives of New York”, faced criticism and questions after bringing a suitcase filled with Diet Coke on her trip to Rome.

A Suitcase Full of Fizz

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In a video that has garnered over 3.4 million views, Ally Shapiro, Zarin’s daughter, showcased her mother unveiling a suitcase packed with numerous cans and bottles of Diet Coke.

Zarin justified her actions by stating, “They don’t sell it in Europe,” adding that the available alternatives, Coke Light and Coke Zero, were not up to her taste standards, sparked a flurry of comments from users pointing out that Diet Coke is indeed available in Europe, albeit with a slightly different taste profile.

The European Coke Conundrum

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Despite the backlash, Shapiro defended her mother’s claim, noting the difficulty in finding Diet Coke in certain European destinations like Italy and Croatia.

She emphasized that the cruise they were embarking on did not offer Diet Coke as a beverage option.

Interestingly, several internet users have corroborated this claim, pointing out that Coca-Cola Light, the European counterpart to Diet Coke, has vanished from Italian markets and is not listed on Coca-Cola Croatia’s website. However, it appears to be available in Greece.

A Matter of Taste

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The debate took a more profound turn as Shapiro highlighted the taste difference between the American Diet Coke and its European version, Coca-Cola Light.

While both beverages utilize aspartame as a sweetener, Coca-Cola Light incorporates a blend of Sodium Cyclamate and Acesulfame, altering its flavor slightly.

Shapiro continued to document their journey, posting a video of Zarin holding a Coca-Cola Light purchased on their cruise ship, emphasizing the noticeable difference in taste.

A Sign of Addiction or a Quest for the Perfect Fizz?

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The suitcase saga has led to a broader discussion among netizens, with some viewing the act of bringing numerous bottles of the beverage as a sign of addiction.

Others saw it as a quintessentially American act, with one user declaring it “the most American thing I’ve ever seen,” adding that they themselves were American.

The incident has spurred conversations about personal preferences and the lengths to which individuals go to ensure their satisfaction.

Fizzy Debate Among U.S. Travelers in Europe

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According to an article by Rachel P. Kreiter on Eater, the hunger for Diet Coke among U.S. travelers to Europe has sparked a unique trend of smuggling the beverage across borders.

In Europe, a variant called “Coke Light” is more prevalent, characterized by different sweeteners and a slightly altered flavor profile than its American counterpart.

This discrepancy has led to a strong preference divide, with some individuals, including celebrities like former Real Housewife Jill Zarin, going to great lengths to bring Diet Coke into Europe.

Despite its availability, finding Diet Coke can be challenging, often requiring a visit to specialty shops.

This suggests that travelers might enjoy exploring local European diet sodas as an alternative, with options ranging from “Altercola” available in various countries to unique flavors like Barr Bubblegum in the UK and Almdudler in Austria, potentially discovering a new favorite beverage during their visit.

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Sources

Real Housewives of New York Star Can't Resist: ‘Smuggling’ an Entire Suitcase of Diet Coke » sources 1 2
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  1. eater.com/23841860/europe-soda-smuggling-diet-coke-real-housewives

This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:

@allyshaps Any other diet coke girlies travel with an entire suitcase of diet coke? Luckily it made it safely!
#dietcoke
#flying
#airport
♬ original sound – Ally Shapiro

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.