Trump says Coca‑Cola to use cane sugar in US
Coca‑Cola to Switch to Real Cane Sugar in U.S. Beverages
A new partnership announced on Truth Social by President Donald Trump has the global beverage giant Coca‑Cola agreeing to replace high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with real cane sugar for all drinks sold in the United States.
Key Points of the Announcement
- Trump stated that Coca‑Cola had consented to use “REAL Cane Sugar” for its U.S. product line.
- The change is expected to meet demands from critics who argue that HFCS contributes to health problems.
- Coca‑Cola replied with a short statement, saying that more details on the new offering would be shared soon.
- Diet Coke, which is already sweetened with aspartame, will not be affected by the switch.
Reasons Behind the Shift
Since returning to the White House, Trump has installed a custom button in the Oval Office that orders a sugar‑free variant of the classic soda. The new agreement could reflect his ongoing push for a “more natural” sweetener.
Contextual Background on Sweeteners
- HFCS rose in popularity during the 1970s thanks to subsidies for corn growers and high tariffs on cane sugar.
- Both HFCS and sucrose contain fructose and glucose, but they differ structurally: HFCS contains free sugars in different ratios (55/45 in soft drinks), while sucrose bonds the two sugars chemically.
- Recent reviews show no significant differences in weight gain or heart health between HFCS and sucrose, though HFCS may increase inflammation markers.
Implications for the Midwest
Switching away from corn could trigger backlash in the Corn Belt—a Midwestern region that has strong support for Trump. Yet the move might be welcomed by consumers who favor the “natural” flavor of Mexican Coke, which is already made with cane sugar and sold at a premium in U.S. stores.
Final Summary
Trump’s initiative to have Coca‑Cola adopt real cane sugar is slated to bring a “natural” sweetener into the U.S. market. While the change will not alter Diet Coke’s aspartame formula, it could reshape how Americans taste their favorite soda.
