President Donald Trump said that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to real cane sugar in its flagship U.S. soft drink, according to social media posts on Wednesday.
“I have been speaking to @CocaCola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” the president wrote on X.
“I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” the official White House account reposted the message.
“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,” Coca-Cola stated Wednesday evening.
Coca-Cola Classic sold in the United States has long been sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup since the 1980s. It started as a response to sugar tariffs and agricultural subsidies at the time. High-fructose corn syrup is also used in the majority of other sodas in the country.
In other countries, such as Mexico, Europe, and the United Kingdom, Coca-Cola uses real cane sugar. “Mexican Coke,” bottled in glass and made with cane sugar, is imported to the United States and sold at a premium. Nutritionally, both versions contain the same amount of sugar: 39 grams in a standard 12-ounce can, according to Coca-Cola.
Regarding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), researchers have long known of connections between the rise in high-fructose corn syrup consumption and the rapid increase in obesity rates in the United States. In 2004, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition presented data suggesting that as HFCS use grew, so did obesity.
The researchers explained that the way the body processes fructose—one of HFCS’s main components—differs from glucose and may encourage higher energy intake. According to their findings, this could contribute to a greater risk of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.
In recent years, Coca-Cola has also focused on reducing sugar across its global portfolio. Nearly half of its sparkling drink sales in 2023 came from containers of 8.5 ounces or less. The company also offers a wide range of zero and reduced-sugar products, including Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and other beverages sweetened with aspartame, sucralose, or stevia.
“People have been enjoying Coca‑Cola for 138 years,” said Coca-Cola’s on its website. “They love the unique taste. But, we know people have concerns about eating or drinking too much sugar. That is why we’re taking action should you want less sugar.”
