Hema Singuluri & Bhumika Rajpurohit | Hyderabad 

A new term is sweeping social media: “fridge cigarettes.” The phrase has nothing to do with nicotine, yet it has exploded across Gen Z spaces. The idea is simple—walk to the fridge, crack open a cold Diet Coke, and treat that moment like a cigarette break. What began as a harmless meme is turning into a daily ritual, raising concern among health experts, especially because frequent consumption of fizzy and zero-sugar drinks is linked to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Across X, Instagram, and TikTok, young adults post “fridge-cig” videos between meetings, assignments, or late-night work. One user even tried a “Fridge Cigarette” made of Coke Zero, espresso, ice, and cream. While the tone is humorous, the behavior mirrors a real coping mechanism for chronic stress and burnout.

Many say the icy can and sharp carbonation provide a quick dopamine boost, offering a momentary pause from deadlines and academic pressure. Instead of stepping out for a smoke, they open the refrigerator for cold soda—sometimes several times a day. Cultural researchers note that this trend reflects a new form of micro-break: a controlled reset that mimics the psychological relief a smoke break once provided. But doctors warn that this relief is temporary, not therapeutic.

Dr. Aarathi Bellary, Consultant Internal Medicine at KIMS Hospitals, says the caffeine spike may feel good briefly but can strain the heart. She adds that sugary drinks—and even zero-sugar sodas—are major contributors to NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Artificial sweeteners and preservatives can also trigger repeated cravings and addictive patterns.

She warns that NAFLD cases are rising among young adults, driven by high sugar intake, poor diet control, and frequent consumption of carbonated drinks disguised as “zero sugar.” As “fridge cigarettes” trend as quirky workplace rituals, youth must recognise the risk: the habit may seem harmless, but its long-term impact on liver and metabolic health can be serious.