Coca‑Cola Seeks American Sugar Swap After Trump’s Push

Coca‑Cola Introduces U.S. Coke Sweetened with Domestic Cane Sugar

On Tuesday, Coca‑Cola announced that a new version of its flagship beverage will be produced in the United States using cane sugar grown locally. The decision follows a request from President Donald Trump, who has championed a switch away from high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Statement from CEO James Quincey

• Quincey said the company will “bring a Coke sweetened with U.S. cane sugar into the market this fall.”
• He added that the new product “will be an enduring option for consumers.”
• Quincey emphasized that the regular Coke line will continue to use HFCS, with the cane‑sugar variant offered as an alternative.

Trump’s Commentary on Truth Social

President Trump reacted to the announcement by writing:

“This will be a very good move by them – You’ll see. It’s just better!”

Although the company expressed appreciation for Trump’s enthusiasm, it had not confirmed the shift at the time of the statement.

Background on Sweetener Controversy

Coca‑Cola currently relies on HFCS for many U.S. products, a choice criticized by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. under his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Mexican Coke, which is already manufactured with cane sugar, is often sold at a premium in U.S. stores and is prized for its more “natural” flavor profile.

Impact on Diet Coke

The proposed change has no bearing on Diet Coke, which remains sweetened with aspartame—a compound classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a “possible carcinogen.”

Historical Context of HFCS

HFCS gained popularity in the 1970s, aided by government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. A move away from corn syrup is likely to provoke backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has historically supported Trump.

Health Outcomes of HFCS vs. Cane Sugar

Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) contain fructose and glucose, though they differ structurally. Current research indicates that these structural differences do not significantly alter health outcomes.

President Trump’s Personal Preference

Since his return to the White House, Trump has reinstated a special button in the Oval Office that summons a sugar‑free carbonated drink, underscoring his preference for Diet Coke.