Protein Diet Coke and other mashups are going viral in the dirty soda trend

While health experts wouldn't recommend against the trendy drink, it's worth noting that Diet Coke offers no nutritional value — consuming the drink is essentially the same as drinking the protein shake alone.

Registered sports nutritionist Jessica Isaacs told Self that she “could see some pros” when she tried the drink, such as the nutritional boost of protein, electrolytes, calcium and carbohydrates.

“You take something like a Diet Coke, which actually has no nutritional value, and essentially increase the nutritional value,” she explained.

In an article for Today, registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo noted that the “protein diet cola” concoction has about as many calories as a full-sugar cola, adding that it's OK to consume it “in moderation.” drink.

“For people who like protein diet cola, I would recommend limiting it to a post-workout recovery drink to help build muscle or a snack to stay full between meals,” she wrote.

“Think of it like a protein drink with a splash of sugar-free lemonade for added flavor. But here too you could simply drink the protein milk plain.”