President Donald Trump recently claimed that Coca-Cola has agreed to use cane sugar in its namesake soda in the U.S. However, Coca-Cola has not confirmed this statement made by the president. Trump, a self-proclaimed fan of Diet Coke, took to social media to share his excitement about the potential switch to cane sugar, stating that it would be a positive move for the brand.
In response to Trump’s post, a Coca-Cola spokesperson expressed appreciation for the president’s enthusiasm for the iconic Coca-Cola brand. They also hinted at upcoming details about new innovative offerings within the Coca-Cola product range. For the past forty years, Coca-Cola sold in the U.S. has predominantly been sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, while other countries, such as Mexico, use sugar in their Coke products.
To cater to consumers who prefer the taste of sugar or view it as a more natural ingredient, the Atlanta-based company imports Mexican Coke to the U.S. Coca-Cola’s original formula, dating back to the late 1800s, used cane sugar as its sweetener before transitioning to high-fructose corn syrup in the early 1980s due to cost considerations.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal critic of high-fructose corn syrup, equating it to a formula for obesity and diabetes. Kennedy has advocated for healthier food options and urged food companies to eliminate artificial colors from their products. However, John Bode, president and CEO of The Corn Refiners Association, argued against replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar, citing potential negative impacts on American food manufacturing jobs, farm income, and increased imports of foreign sugar with no significant nutritional benefits.
While Trump’s announcement about Coca-Cola potentially switching to cane sugar has garnered attention, the beverage giant has yet to confirm or provide further details on this proposed change. It remains to be seen whether Coca-Cola will indeed make the shift to cane sugar in its U.S. soda products.
