Move Aligns with Push for Natural Ingredients, but Company Yet to Confirm

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch to using real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages, replacing the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that has been a staple in its American formula since 1984. The claim, made via a post on Truth Social, comes as part of the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which has been championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to encourage food companies to adopt more natural ingredients.

“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. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”

The announcement has sparked excitement among consumers nostalgic for the taste of “Mexican Coke,” a cane sugar-sweetened version of the soda sold in glass bottles and popular in the U.S. for its perceived authenticity. However, Coca-Cola has not yet issued an official statement confirming the change, leading some analysts to speculate that the shift may begin with limited regional rollouts or specialty offerings rather than a nationwide overhaul.

Historically, Coca-Cola transitioned to HFCS in the U.S. in 1984 due to Reagan-era sugar import quotas that doubled domestic sugar prices, making HFCS a cheaper alternative. Reverting to cane sugar could significantly increase production costs, with Mexican Coke currently retailing at $15-$20 for a 12-pack compared to $6 for HFCS-sweetened versions. Such a shift would likely require a major supply chain restructuring and could lead to higher prices for consumers.

The move aligns with broader consumer trends favoring natural ingredients, as seen in Coca-Cola’s recent launch of Simply Gold Peak teas, which use cane sugar. However, nutrition scientists note that cane sugar and HFCS are chemically similar, with minimal health differences, despite public perceptions that cane sugar is healthier.

The announcement has also drawn attention to the sugar industry’s labor practices. A 2024 report by The New York Times and The Fuller Project highlighted exploitative conditions in sugar cane farms in Maharashtra, India, where Coca-Cola sources some of its sugar. The report cited issues like debt bondage and pressure on women to undergo hysterectomies to avoid missing work, raising questions about the ethical implications of increased cane sugar use.

On X, reactions to Trump’s announcement ranged from enthusiastic support to skepticism. Some users praised the move as a step toward healthier beverages, with one post stating, “President Trump has PERSONALLY convinced Coca-Cola to use REAL Cane Sugar. IT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING.” Others, however, questioned the health benefits, with one user noting, “Coca-Cola is not healthy for you no matter what they put in it.”

If implemented, the switch could impact U.S. sugar imports, domestic corn markets, and pricing structures influenced by federal quotas and tariffs. It may also boost Coca-Cola’s stock and related consumer discretionary ETFs, as suggested by market analysts. For now, the beverage giant’s silence leaves the timeline and scope of the change uncertain, but the announcement has already stirred significant buzz among soda enthusiasts and industry watchers alike.