Traveling to Lima as a Diet Coke Addict: The Unhinged Survival Guide

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If you’re a Diet Coke loyalist — not “diet soda curious,” not “whatever cola is around is fine” — then you already know the emotional math of travel:

• Will they have Diet Coke?
• Will it be cold?
• Will they give me ice? Will I die from said ice?
• Will I have to raw-dog a lukewarm plastic bottle?

These are real concerns.

And when you land in Lima, Peru — a city that will absolutely blow your mind with food, culture, and coastline — you need to be prepared for one thing:

They do NOT have Diet Coke. Not the silver can. Not the crisp, crackly American formula we all worship. Not the holy elixir of the U.S. supermarket beverage aisle.

Peru is a Coke Zero country, and that’s the one riding shotgun on your trip.

Let’s break it all down so you can sip your way through Lima with grace and sanity.

1. What “Diet Coke” Is Called in Peru

Here’s your survival phrases:

Coca-Cola Sin Azúcar or Coco-Cola Zero

I have seen it with both names. But no matter what, just make sure it’s: Black label. Black cap. Black writing.

This is Peru’s version of Diet Coke.

Coke Light? Not really a thing here.

Actual Diet Coke? Not in this country. Sad face.

Is it the same? No.

Is it good enough? Honestly, it has to be.

Is it a betrayal? A little. But we soldier on.

2. Plastic Bottles Are Everywhere (Sorry)

Most convenience stores and cafés will hand you Coke Zero in plastic bottles. And we all know plastic bottles taste like compromise — less fizz, less joy. But don’t give up yet.

The nice restaurants step up.

Places like Mayta — where we went for my husband’s birthday this year (one of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants, thank you) — serve Coke Zero in chilled glass bottles, which immediately elevates the entire experience. 

Glass bottle = hope restored.

3. Coke Over Ice: What You Need to Know

Peruvians are not an “ice culture.”

Like many parts of the world, they don’t crave Arctic beverages and genuinely don’t understand the ice obsession. My husband, who grew up between Norway, Spain, Denmark, and Peru, will gladly drink a lukewarm soda and not vomit. I KNOW. I can’t either. They just don’t like ice. They think it “waters down” the soda.

While not a “problem” in our marriage, it is something we deeply disagree on and have discussed at length.

Whenever I order a DC, I always order it with extra ice — no matter where I am — because I am also confident I can always get a refill. Refills are not a thing in many countries, so they’re invested in maximizing volume, while I am invested in maximizing crispness. The ideal glass-to-soda ratio is a very real philosophical divide.

That’s our working theory.

But the reality: in Peru they simply don’t think to put a lot of ice in drinks, even when you ask. And the cubes are often big and clunky (fast food being the glorious exception — see below).

So wherever you are, expect… a modest performance. Usually four cubes. Maybe five.

To get something closer to your regular life, ask for:

“MUCHO hielo, por favor.”

Or, if you mean business: “Muchísimo hielo.”

And the question I get all the time:

Is the ice safe? Yes. I’ve been drinking iced drinks in Lima for fifteen years.

Fast food? Zero issues.

Nicer restaurants? Zero issues.

Ice is purified and handled well in established places. Order the ice. You’ll be fine.

4. Lime: The Secret Upgrade

Here’s how you hack a mediocre bottle of Coke Zero into a moment of joy:

Ask for lime on the side — “Con limón al lado.”

Peru doesn’t use lemons. They use limes. Superior limes.

Sometimes you’ll get a wedge, but more often you’ll get a tiny shot glass of fresh lime juice — and it’s magic.

A squeeze sharpens the drink and makes the whole experience feel intentional.

5. The True Holy Grail: Fast-Food Fountain Coke Zero

This is where Peru actually shines for Diet Coke people.

McDonald’s, KFC, and Bembo’s all have shockingly good Coke Zero on tap.

Cold.

Fizzy.

Balanced.

Genuinely the closest thing to an American fountain Diet Coke in the entire country.

I personally drag my entire family to the McDonald’s drive-thru in San Isidro because it is that good.

No car? Walk in. Still worth it.

And again: I always get ice in my fast-food drinks. Never had a problem.

6. Airplanes: You’ll Drink It, But You Won’t Love It

LATAM and other airlines technically “have” Coke Zero, but… manage expectations:

• It’s from plastic bottles.
• It’s lukewarm.
• It’s not giving what it needs to give.

You’ll drink it because you’re desperate, not because it sparks joy.

7. Inca Kola (Including Zero) — Just Try It Once

Inca Kola is the official drink of Peru. Peruvians LOVE their Inca Kola.

It’s neon yellow, tastes like bubblegum met cream soda, and there’s a ‘zero’ version too.

I personally don’t like it. But you should try one sip — it’s part of the cultural experience.

Then politely return to Coke Zero Azúcar and live your truth.

8. When You Need a Break: Peru Does Water Beautifully

If you need to pause the soda saga, Peru has excellent alternatives:

• Andea bottled water — crisp, clean, and my personal favorite.
• Many restaurants have their own filtered flat and sparkling water on tap.
• Always ask for it helado (cold).
• Add a little limón for brightness.

Also delicious: freshly made lemonades — classic or herbal (yerba buena or hierba luisa). Because they’re made to order, you can ask for less sugar unless you want dessert in a glass.

Diet Coke Addicts Heading to Lima: You Are Safe, You Are Seen, You Are Understood

If you’re a Diet Coke person through and through, Lima won’t break you.

Yes, you’ll be drinking Coke Zero — prepare.

Yes, you’ll figure out which places serve it best.

Yes, you’ll become fluent in ice negotiations.

But you will get your fix — and you will absolutely survive.

Honestly?

A glass-bottle Coke Zero with lime at Mayta or a fountain Coke Zero from McDonald’s with mucho hielo might end up being two of your favorite little Lima moments.