The Current Owner of Diet Rite: Keurig Dr Pepper
As of 2024, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) owns the Diet Rite brand. KDP is a major North American beverage company with a large portfolio of brands. However, Keurig Dr Pepper discontinued the Diet Rite brand in late 2024, meaning production has stopped. While KDP still technically owns the brand, the product is no longer actively sold.
Diet Rite's Long and Complex Ownership Journey
Diet Rite's ownership history involves several corporate changes.
Origins with Royal Crown Cola Company
Diet Rite was launched in 1955 by the Royal Crown (RC) Cola Company. RC Cola was a significant beverage producer that introduced the first national diet soda with Diet Rite. It was initially aimed at diabetics but later gained broader popularity.
The Cadbury Schweppes Acquisition
In 2000, Cadbury Schweppes acquired the beverages division of RC Cola, including Diet Rite. This acquisition placed Diet Rite alongside brands like Dr Pepper and Snapple, increasing its market presence.
Emergence of Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Cadbury Schweppes spun off its U.S. beverage operations, including Diet Rite, to form the publicly traded Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) in 2008. DPSG became a key independent beverage company, and Diet Rite was part of its brands.
The Keurig Green Mountain Merger
In July 2018, Keurig Green Mountain acquired DPSG. The merged company was named Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), integrating Diet Rite into the new company's portfolio.
The Evolution of Diet Rite: A Recipe for Change
Diet Rite's formula also changed over time.
- Initial Sweeteners: Used cyclamate and saccharin.
- Cyclamate Ban (1969): Reformulated after the FDA banned cyclamate.
- Shift to Aspartame (1987): Saccharin was replaced with aspartame as the sole sweetener; caffeine was also removed.
- Introduction of Sucralose (2000): Became the first major U.S. diet cola to use sucralose (Splenda) and acesulfame potassium, replacing aspartame.
- Product Discontinuation (2024): Discontinued by Keurig Dr Pepper.
Diet Rite vs. Other Diet Colas
| Feature | Diet Rite | Diet Coke | Diet Pepsi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Owner | Keurig Dr Pepper (Discontinued) | The Coca-Cola Company | PepsiCo |
| First Introduced | 1955 | 1982 | 1964 |
| Primary Sweetener (Discontinued) | Sucralose & Ace-K | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium |
| Caffeine Status (Discontinued) | Caffeine-free | Caffeinated | Caffeinated |
| Flavors (Discontinued) | Cola, White Grape, Tangerine, Black Cherry | Cola, Lime, Cherry, Vanilla, etc. | Cola, Wild Cherry, Lime, etc. |
| Key Market Position | Pioneering diet soda, once very popular | Dominant diet cola brand globally | A leading diet cola brand |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Change
Keurig Dr Pepper owns the Diet Rite brand, which was discontinued in late 2024. The brand's history began with the Royal Crown Cola Company and included ownership by Cadbury Schweppes and Dr Pepper Snapple Group before KDP. Diet Rite was an early innovator as the first national diet soda and changed its sweetener formula several times. Despite its historical significance, the brand was ultimately discontinued.
