Coca-Cola Launches Trump-Approved Cane Sugar Coke

Coca-Cola has officially confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its flagship soda made with U.S.-sourced cane sugar. The announcement, included in the company’s quarterly earnings release on Tuesday, July 22, aligns with comments made by former President Donald Trump, who recently claimed credit for influencing the change.

A Strategic Shift in Sweeteners

The upcoming product will debut in the fall as part of Coca-Cola’s broader innovation strategy. According to the company, the cane sugar version is intended to complement its existing beverage lineup, offering consumers more variety and aligning with evolving taste preferences.

While most Coca-Cola sold in the U.S. has long relied on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as its primary sweetener, international markets—such as Mexico—have continued to use cane sugar. That version, popularly dubbed “Mexican Coke” in the U.S., has developed a loyal following among consumers who claim it offers a cleaner or more nostalgic taste.

Coca-Cola stated the new cane sugar product would “enhance the strong core portfolio” and reflect a broader push to give consumers more options, especially at a time when health, ingredients, and origin have become key buying factors.

More specific details about the product and its rollout are expected to be shared during Coca-Cola’s earnings call with analysts later today.

Political Pressure and Public Messaging

The move comes shortly after Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had urged Coca-Cola to switch from corn syrup to “real” cane sugar. “They have agreed to do so,” Trump wrote, describing the change as a “very good move.” He added, “It’s just better!”

However, nutrition experts caution against overstating the health implications. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, clarified that from a metabolic standpoint, cane sugar and HFCS are nearly identical. Both contain roughly equal parts fructose and glucose and have the same effect on the human body.

Broader Industry and Economic Considerations

Coca-Cola’s key competitor, PepsiCo, has not announced a similar move for its flagship cola. Nonetheless, the company has released a new prebiotic soda that includes cane sugar, reflecting the growing trend toward perceived “cleaner” ingredients.

PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta recently addressed the economics behind sweetener choices, noting on CNBC that cane sugar remains significantly more expensive in the U.S. compared to other countries. “There’s a conversation with the government probably on how do we make sugar more affordable in the U.S.,” he said, hinting at the need for a broader agricultural strategy that could support a transition within the industry.

What This Means for Consumers

Cane sugar Coke may appeal to consumers seeking less-processed ingredients or those who remember the flavor profile of Coca-Cola before HFCS became widespread in the 1980s. Whether driven by political optics, market research, or consumer demand, Coca-Cola’s decision marks a noteworthy shift in the American beverage landscape.

It remains to be seen whether this cane sugar version will remain a specialty item or if it’s a test case for a more extensive overhaul in how major beverage companies approach sweetener sourcing in the U.S. Either way, the move is likely to spark further conversation on ingredients, pricing, and health in the food and beverage sector.