Final answer:
Diet Coke and Wrigley's Double Mint chewing gum are considered monopolistic competitors because they are distinct products that indirectly compete for customer needs in a market with many firms and differentiated offers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In today's marketing environment, Diet Coke competes with Wrigley's Double Mint chewing gum as monopolistic competitors. These two products are distinct in their offerings, yet indirectly compete for similar consumer desires, such as refreshment or oral indulgence.
Monopolistic competition describes a scenario where many firms battle against one another, selling products that are distinguished by style, flavor, or brand name. This differentiated competition leads to a situation where each firm possesses a mini-monopoly over their unique product offering, while also contesting with a myriad of other alternatives available on the market. An example of this would be the variety found in restaurants, clothing stores, or beverage brands, each with its own distinct appeal and competitive edge.