Coca-Cola may soon start using real cane sugar in its drinks sold in the United States after former President Donald Trump shared that the company has agreed to the change.
Currently, Coca-Cola uses high fructose corn syrup in its American products, while versions sold in countries like Mexico and the UK are made with cane sugar.
The announcement came after Trump, along with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, raised concerns over corn syrup and its link to health issues. Kennedy and his health initiative, Make America Healthy Again, have been pushing for changes in food manufacturing, asking companies to cut ingredients like corn syrup, seed oils, and artificial dyes.
Though Coca-Cola did not confirm a direct recipe change, the company acknowledged Trump’s comments and said more product updates will be revealed soon.
In an earlier statement to investors, Coca-Cola’s CEO mentioned efforts to lower sugar content and update recipes as part of the brand’s wider health-related goals.
The news has stirred concern among corn industry representatives.
The Corn Refiners Association warned that switching from corn syrup to cane sugar could lead to job losses in food manufacturing, lower income for American corn farmers, and increase sugar imports.
They also argued that replacing one form of sugar with another offers no clear health benefit.
The move could impact both the beverage industry and agriculture, as Coca-Cola remains one of the most popular soda brands in the country.
Despite promoting the shift toward cane sugar, Trump is known for his preference for Diet Coke, which is made with the artificial sweetener aspartame.