Coca-Cola Confirms Cane Sugar Version
Starting this fall, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar-sweetened version of its drink, alongside the existing original formula. The company announced the move shortly after former President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social that he had spoken with Coca-Cola about using “REAL Cane Sugar” in U.S. products. Until now, the company had not confirmed the discussion.
Complement, Not Replace
Coca-Cola emphasized that this new version won’t replace the current high-fructose corn syrup formula. Instead, it’s meant to offer more consumer choices and diversify the brand’s portfolio for different tastes and occasions.
RFK Jr. and the Fight Against Corn Syrup
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long criticized high-fructose corn syrup, calling it a “formula for making you obese and diabetic.” As part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, he’s pressured companies to remove additives like artificial dyes and seed oils from food products. Coca-Cola’s decision aligns, at least symbolically, with these efforts.
Experts Say Sugar Is Sugar
Despite the buzz around cane sugar, health experts caution that sugar is harmful in all forms. Eva Greenthal of the Center for Science in the Public Interest explained that all sugar-sweetened beverages provide empty calories and contribute to health risks. She urged the Trump administration to reduce sugar overall, not just swap its source.
Industry Pushback and Political Tensions
The Corn Refiners Association strongly opposes the change. Its president, John Bode, argued that replacing high-fructose corn syrup could harm American farmers and food manufacturers, increase reliance on imported sugar, and provide no clear nutritional benefit—clashing with Trump’s stated support for U.S. jobs and trade.
Understanding the Two Sugars
Cane sugar is natural sucrose, a blend of glucose and fructose. High-fructose corn syrup is made from corn starch converted into glucose and then enzymatically altered to boost its fructose content—often to 42% or 55%. Though the two have similar calories and sweetness, some research suggests the body may metabolize them differently, with high-fructose corn syrup potentially linked to more negative outcomes.
The Bigger Problem May Be Corn Itself
Beyond the sugar debate lies concern about genetically modified corn and glyphosate, a herbicide often used on corn crops. While GMO corn is considered safe by experts, glyphosate has been associated with health issues like cancer and infertility. Still, experts argue the real danger of soda lies in the sugar’s impact on obesity, diabetes, and heart disease—not its genetic origins or farming chemicals.
Smarter Choices and Final Thoughts
Experts recommend limiting added sugar to under 25 grams a day and choosing whole foods over sugary drinks. Alternatives like sparkling water with citrus or kombucha (without added sugar) can help reduce soda cravings. While cane sugar may sound more “natural,” it doesn’t eliminate the health risks of sugary beverages—and the best choice is to cut back altogether.
