Coca-Cola to Switch to Cane Sugar in U.S. Products

Coca-Cola is set to revert to using real cane sugar in its U.S. products after decades of using high fructose corn syrup, a shift that President Donald Trump has personally credited himself with brokering. In a social media post, Trump highlighted the move as a beneficial change for American consumers, predicting that it would be a positive step for the Atlanta-based beverage giant.

Trump announced on social media that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its beverages sold in the United States following discussions between himself and the company's leadership. This change is substantial, as virtually all Coca-Cola sold in the U.S. since the mid-1980s has been sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, a less expensive alternative but one that is politically significant.

The commercial production of high fructose corn syrup is predominantly based in Iowa, the top corn-producing state in the U.S. This product has been a major component of agribusiness since the 1970s, with companies such as Archer Daniels Midland having key plants in the state. These companies, along with the "farm lobby," which represents various institutions advocating for farmers' interests, hold significant influence in Washington, D.C. U.S. farm policy, shaped by the farm lobby, heavily subsidizes corn and imposes tariffs and quotas on imported sugar, making high fructose corn syrup the default sweetener for many U.S. food producers. These dynamics are reinforced by Iowa's role in presidential politics, as the state hosts the first presidential caucus in the electoral calendar.

Coca-Cola's original formula, dating back to its 19th-century origins, used cane sugar as the sweetener. This changed during a period of economic and regulatory upheaval in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Faced with rising sugar prices, partly due to U.S. government quotas and tariffs on imported sugar, alongside growing subsidies for domestic corn, Coca-Cola began blending corn syrup with sugar in its beverages. By 1984, the transition to high fructose corn syrup was complete. Even after the "New Coke" formula controversy and the return of "Coca-Cola Classic," the drink retained high fructose corn syrup as its sweetener.

In other countries, notably Mexico and across Europe, Coca-Cola has continued to use cane sugar, leading to a cult following for "Mexican Coke" among U.S. consumers who prefer the original taste. American soda enthusiasts have long claimed to notice a difference in beverages sweetened with cane sugar, leading to the import of "Mexican Coke" as a popular niche item. This has prompted limited edition "throwback" sodas using cane sugar to appear periodically in the U.S. market.

It remains unclear how quickly Coca-Cola will phase in cane sugar nationwide and how this move fits within Trump's broader use of tariffs, including those predating his tenure that make sugar imports more expensive than subsidized corn. However, this shift represents more than just a change in a beverage giant's soda recipe; it signifies a major change in the industry's approach to ingredients and consumer preferences.

Trump's announcement underscores the influence of consumer preferences on corporate decisions, as companies increasingly prioritize natural and healthier options to meet market demands. The shift to real cane sugar in Coca-Cola's U.S. products is likely to enhance the company's image and consumer loyalty, demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality and healthier products. This move also reflects the broader industry trend towards more natural and sustainable ingredients, as consumers become more discerning about the products they consume.