Coca-Cola to Transition to Cane Sugar in U.S. Drinks, Trump Announces

On July 16, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar in its U.S. beverage products. This statement marks a significant shift in the beverage industry, as Coca-Cola has used high-fructose corn syrup as the primary sweetener in its U.S. market since 1985. Trump stated, "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. 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!" This announcement adds to Trump’s well-known enthusiasm for Diet Coke, which has been documented throughout his political career.

In a brief statement following Trump's announcement, Coca-Cola acknowledged the former president's enthusiasm for their brand, saying, "We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca‑Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca‑Cola product range will be shared soon." This move aligns Coca-Cola with its practices in several other markets, including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Africa, and the Middle East, where cane sugar is commonly used as a sweetener. Currently, Coke products in the U.S. do have a limited kosher option that utilizes cane sugar, identifiable by its yellow caps.

Experts in the beverage industry, such as Dr. Emily Richards, a food science professor at the University of California, Davis, suggest that the shift to cane sugar could cater to consumer preferences for more natural ingredients. According to Dr. Richards, "Consumers are increasingly aware of the ingredients in their food and drinks. The move to cane sugar could improve Coca-Cola's marketability among health-conscious consumers."

In contrast, some industry analysts express concerns about the implications of this change. According to John Harris, a beverage industry analyst at Beverage Marketing Corporation, "Coca-Cola’s transition back to cane sugar might increase production costs, which could ultimately affect pricing strategies in a competitive market. Additionally, high-fructose corn syrup has been a cost-effective option for decades."

The announcement follows increasing trends in consumer preferences for natural sweeteners, with many brands adjusting their recipes to accommodate these demands. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for products made with cane sugar, as many consumers perceive it as a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup.

Coca-Cola’s decision could potentially impact its sales in the U.S. market. According to a report by the International Soft Drinks Council published in 2023, the global soft drink market is projected to reach $500 billion by 2026, with a growing segment favoring beverages made with cane sugar. As Coca-Cola navigates this transition, stakeholders will be closely monitoring consumer responses and market dynamics.

As the beverage landscape continues to evolve, Coca-Cola's decision to implement cane sugar in its U.S. offerings may set a precedent for other beverage companies, prompting a wider industry shift towards more natural sweetening agents. The implications of this decision will become clearer as the company releases further details on the timeline for implementation and new product offerings in the coming months.