Coca-Cola is set to introduce a new product line sweetened with cane sugar in the United States this autumn, responding to a statement by then-President Donald Trump. The company clarified that this will be an additional offering, not a replacement for their current products that use high-fructose corn syrup.
This move comes after Trump publicly praised Coca-Cola’s potential shift to cane sugar, stating it would be “just better.” While Trump himself is known to consume sugar-free Diet Coke, his comments sparked discussion about the sweeteners used in the popular beverage.
In the U.S., Coca-Cola has utilized high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in its domestically produced drinks as the 1980s.This syrup is favored for its lower cost, increased sweetness, and longer shelf life compared to other sugars. However, it has faced criticism, including from figures like Robert F. kennedy Jr., who served as Trump’s Minister of Health.
the prospect of a widespread switch to cane sugar has raised concerns among industry experts and the agricultural sector. They have cautioned that the United States may not produce sufficient quantities of cane sugar to replace the corn syrup currently used. Moreover, the U.S. agricultural industry has warned that such a conversion could negatively impact American corn farmers.