Coca-Cola Revives Cane Sugar Formula in US Market

Consumers’ Desire for Natural Ingredients Drives Return of Classic Sweetener

Coca-Cola is set to reintroduce a cane sugar-sweetened version of its iconic beverage in the United States this year, responding to a growing consumer demand for products with simpler, more natural ingredients. This move marks a significant shift from the high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners that have dominated the U.S. soft drink landscape for decades.

A Sweet Shift in Strategy

The beverage giant’s decision follows a trend seen globally, with countries like New Zealand already favoring cane sugar in their fizzy drinks. This resurgence of cane sugar aligns with a broader consumer movement seeking transparency and fewer processed components in their food and beverages. Major competitors PepsiCo and Dr Pepper have offered cane sugar varieties of their flagship sodas since 2009.

Coca-Cola has historically offered a cane sugar option through its “Mexican Coke,” which has been available in the U.S. since 2005. However, Mexican Coke is typically marketed as a premium, artisanal alternative, often sold in distinctive glass bottles. The forthcoming widely available cane sugar version aims to cater to a broader segment of the market.

Understanding the Sweeteners

Many consumers wonder about the difference between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Nutrition expert and NYU professor emeritus **Marion Nestle** clarifies that from a chemical standpoint, the distinction is minimal.

“High fructose corn syrup is made of the simple sugars glucose and fructose in liquid form. Cane sugar, also known as sucrose, is made of glucose and fructose bonded, but quickly split. Both are still sugars, with about the same amount of calories.”

—Marion Nestle, Professor Emeritus, New York University

Nestle emphasizes that regardless of the sweetener used, a can of Coca-Cola remains a sugary beverage with comparable calorie counts and the potential to contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

Why the Switch to Corn Syrup?

The widespread adoption of HFCS in U.S. soft drinks largely began due to economic factors. HFCS generally costs less than cane sugar. For instance, in the past year, the wholesale price of HFCS-55 averaged approximately $0.49 per pound, while refined cane sugar averaged $0.60 per pound. Data from the USDA indicates that corn subsidies significantly influence the price of corn-derived products.

Beyond cost, HFCS offers practical advantages for large-scale beverage production. It is more stable in acidic drinks and can be efficiently pumped directly from delivery trucks into storage and mixing tanks, streamlining the manufacturing process.

The Economics of Sweeteners

The price disparity between sugar and corn syrup is heavily influenced by U.S. trade and agricultural policies. Tariffs on sugar imports, dating back to the nation’s early years, and domestic production controls have historically kept sugar prices higher. Furthermore, substantial government subsidies for corn farmers reduce the cost of corn, making HFCS a more economical option for beverage manufacturers.

The Debate Over Diet Sweeteners

In parallel with the return of cane sugar, the safety of artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas remains a subject of ongoing discussion. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, for example, utilizes aspartame and stevia.

Recent scrutiny from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has flagged aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has maintained its stance, citing extensive research and asserting that aspartame is safe for consumption under approved conditions. The FDA noted “significant shortcomings” in the research that led to the WHO panel’s conclusion.

Stevia, a plant-derived sweetener, is generally viewed as a safe alternative by public health advocates. A 2022 study published in the journal *Nutrients* found that non-caloric sweeteners, including stevia, can be a helpful tool for weight management when used as part of a balanced diet, though moderation remains key for overall health.¹

¹ Ruiz-Ramos, M., et al. (2022). Non-caloric Sweeteners and Health: A Systematic Review of Human Studies. *Nutrients*, 14(22), 4794. DOI: 10.3390/nu14224794