In a move that caught the attention of soda lovers and health advocates alike, former President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to bring back a more traditional ingredient to its American sodas: real cane sugar.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform with excitement, claiming, “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.” He praised the decision as a win for consumers, saying, “It’s just better!” However, the company itself has yet to confirm any such change.
For decades, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has used high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)—a cheaper, corn-based sweetener that rose to prominence in the 1970s, thanks to favorable government subsidies for corn and heavy tariffs on imported cane sugar. Meanwhile, Mexican Coca-Cola, known for its cane sugar content, has become a cult favorite in American specialty shops, often sold at a premium for its so-called “cleaner” taste.
Trump didn’t explain what prompted his push, especially since his go-to drink—Diet Coke—isn’t sweetened with sugar at all. In fact, since returning to the White House, Trump reportedly brought back the now-famous “Diet Coke button” in the Oval Office, which summons the sugar-free beverage at the push of a finger.
Health figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again initiative have long criticized HFCS, despite scientific reviews showing minimal health differences between HFCS and cane sugar. A 2022 study did suggest slightly higher inflammation markers in HFCS consumers, but overall, both sweeteners have similar health impacts when consumed in equal quantities.
So far, Coca-Cola is keeping it vague. In a brief statement, the company said: “We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.”
If Coca-Cola does switch to cane sugar, it could mark a major shift—not just in flavor, but in U.S. agriculture politics. The Corn Belt, a key region for American corn production and a Trump stronghold, may not be thrilled about the change.
For now, Coke fans in the U.S. will have to wait and see if this sugar swap actually materializes—or if it’s just another fizz in the bottle.
