10 Comments to â11 Meat Tenderizers & Why They Workâ. 1  Just for the record, you CAN use diet soda to marinate. And you donât have to use Coke, either, Pepsi works just fine, as does the store brand. 2  A friendly note â cooks should be careful with the fruit-based tenderizers. Only use a small amount and for a short amount of time.