If you're partial to a can of Diet Coke, we've got some bad news for you.

While much of the population turn to coffee to make it through to 5pm, many forgo a hot cup of java for another caffeine-filled alternative.

The familiar silver Diet Coke can now adorns many an office desk in place of a ‘World’s Best Worker’ mug.

And with most of its loyal followers now choosing it over the classic original for its taste, it’s become a fan favourite.

But we have some bad news to all the DC addicts out there – the go-to soft drink is set to go up in price.

‘Why?’ you ask. Is it because we’ll be getting an improved recipe (though we’re not sure how it could better) or larger quantities (yes please)? No, not quite.

Coca-Cola is pointing the finger at avid Diet Coke lover Donald Trump.

The company’s CEO James Quincy told the Wall Street Journal that the business is making the uncommon move of increasing prices mid-year because of tariffs on the materials that the Trump administration recently enforced on Canada, Mexico and the EU.

‘We had to take with our bottling partners an [price] increase in our sparkling beverage industry in the middle of the year, which is relatively uncommon,’ said Quincy.

‘That’s the metal steel and aluminium going up. The labour going up.’

‘The tariffs on the metals, it’s one of many factors [that] cost us to go out in the middle of the year and announce a price increase.’

‘Less trade and more tariffs will mean less economic growth in the end and that will affect us.’

There’s no word yet on what these price hikes will mean for consumers in terms of exactly how much the cans will cost following these changes. But it's very likely that retailers will in turn increase their prices. Say it ain't so!

Aleesha Badkar
Lifestyle Writer

Aleesha Badkar is a lifestyle writer who specialises in health, beauty - and the royals. After completing her MA in Magazine Journalism at the City, the University of London in 2017, she interned at Women’s Health, Stylist, and Harper’s Bazaar, creating features and news pieces on health, beauty, and fitness, wellbeing, and food. She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid.