President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to incorporate cane sugar in its signature soda sold in the U.S., although the beverage corporation has not fully confirmed his assertion. In a post on social media platform X, Trump, a known fan of Diet Coke, stated, “I have been speaking to [Coca-Cola] about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” When asked about Trump’s statement, a Coca-Cola spokesperson expressed gratitude for the president’s enthusiasm for the iconic brand, noting that “more details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.”
For the past forty years, Coca-Cola sold in the U.S. has primarily been sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, while in some countries, like Mexico, sugar is utilized. The Atlanta-based company imports Coke from Mexico to cater to consumers who prefer its taste or consider sugar a more natural ingredient. Historically, Coca-Cola’s original recipe, dating back to the late 1800s, used cane sugar, but the switch to high-fructose corn syrup occurred in the early 1980s due to rising sugar costs.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously criticized high-fructose corn syrup, labeling it “a formula for making you obese and diabetic.” Kennedy, who is committed to “Make America Healthy Again,” has advocated for food companies to remove artificial colors from their products. Meanwhile, John Bode, president and CEO of The Corn Refiners Association, argued in a statement that replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar “doesn’t make sense.” He emphasized that it “would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”
Interestingly, while discussions about sweeteners continue, products like orange juice with calcium citrate remain popular for their health benefits, offering an alternative source of nutrition. As the beverage industry evolves, the balance between natural ingredients and cost-effectiveness will likely remain a hot topic, highlighting the ongoing debate over sugar sources and their implications for health. In the context of Coca-Cola’s potential shift, the inclusion of orange juice with calcium citrate could also serve as a reminder of consumer preferences for beverages perceived as healthier.