FOLLOW US

Cane sugar could be making a major comeback in American soft drinks.

On July 16, former President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its U.S. soda products, replacing high-fructose corn syrup.

"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," Trump wrote. “This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”

Though Coca-Cola has not officially confirmed the switch, a spokesperson told Reuters the company will share details on new offerings soon and expressed appreciation for Trump's "enthusiasm" for its product.

Background on Cane Sugar vs. Sweeteners

Reuters reports that while U.S. Coca-Cola uses high-fructose corn syrup, its products in other countries are often sweetened with cane sugar.

The switch aligns with broader Trump-era health reforms, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative.

The MAHA Commission's May report cited excessive consumption of high-fructose corn syrup as a contributor to childhood obesity and other chronic conditions.

Kennedy has also led efforts to phase out artificial dyes in food and medication by 2026.

https://usaherald.com/melania-trump-as-agent-melania/

Criticism from Corn Industry

Not everyone is cheering. John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, pushed back strongly against the move.

“Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense,” said Bode. “It would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”

While health experts generally recommend limiting added sugars, they have found no substantial difference in the health impacts of cane sugar versus high-fructose corn syrup.

Agricultural Politics at Play

The decision also comes with political undertones. Trump’s home state of Florida is the nation’s largest producer of sugarcane, while high-fructose corn syrup is a key product of Midwestern states with powerful lobbying clout in Washington.

Still, Trump remains optimistic that this shift will promote healthier eating habits and signal a win for U.S. consumers. “It’s just better,” he insisted.