Coca-Cola to Use Cane Sugar in US Production of Coke, Says Trump

Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola will use cane sugar in its US production of Coke, a shift from its decades-long use of high fructose corn syrup. Coca-Cola already uses cane sugar in its European Union products. Trump hailed it as a "good move," but the details of the plan remain vague.

In a significant move that could reshape the US beverage market, Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola will begin using cane sugar in its US production of Coke. This shift marks a departure from the company's long-standing use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a policy that has been in place since the 1980s [1].

Trump hailed the change as a "good move," citing health and economic benefits. The announcement comes amidst a broader campaign under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which aims to reduce unhealthy ingredients in food and beverages [1]. The initiative has been critical of HFCS, linking it to health issues such as childhood obesity [1].

Coca-Cola, however, has not confirmed a nationwide shift from HFCS to cane sugar. The company spokesperson stated that they would "share details on new offerings soon," appreciating the president's enthusiasm for their product [1]. This response aligns with the company's stance that HFCS and cane sugar are nutritionally similar, and that a switch would not yield significant public health benefits [1].

The economic implications of this potential change are substantial. The Corn Refiners Association, representing corn syrup producers, warned that replacing HFCS with cane sugar could cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost foreign imports, all without any nutritional gain [1]. This shift could also have geopolitical ramifications, given that Florida, Trump's home state, is the top US producer of sugarcane, while corn refiners are concentrated in the Midwest [1].

Trump's relationship with Coca-Cola has been complex. While he is known for his affection for Diet Coke, he has also clashed with the company over political issues. Despite past friction, relations seem to have improved, with Coca-Cola Chairman James Quincey presenting Trump with a commemorative Diet Coke bottle in January 2025 [1].

The shift to cane sugar in Coca-Cola's US production, if confirmed, would align with the company's European Union products, which already use cane sugar as the primary sweetener [1]. This change could also influence consumer perceptions and preferences, as Mexican Coca-Cola, which uses cane sugar, is often considered superior in taste [1].

In conclusion, Trump's push for cane sugar in Coca-Cola is a significant development that intersects health, economic, and political interests. The details of the plan remain vague, but the potential implications for the US beverage market are substantial. As the company continues to share more information, investors and financial professionals will closely monitor the impact of this shift.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/coca-cola-corn-syrup-vs-cane-sugar-india-donald-trump-maha-initiative-125071700934_1.html
[2] https://www.newsweek.com/coca-cola-responds-donald-trump-cane-sugar-2100060