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Coca-Cola has revealed plans to launch a new variant of its iconic soft drink sweetened with cane sugar in the US, following a recent push from President Donald Trump, who has advocated for a shift away from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in favour of cane sugar, framing it as a healthier alternative.

Coca-Cola's confirmation comes after Trump's comments on his social media platform, where he commented: “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”. The statement aligns with Trump’s broader 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, which aims to promote what he describes as “purer, better products”.

The new cane sugar variant is set to complement Coca-Cola's existing product line-up rather than replace it, as confirmed during the company’s quarterly update to investors on July 22 2025. CEO James Quincey noted the importance of catering to consumer preferences by using a diverse array of sweetening options.

The introduction of a cane sugar variant is not merely a product innovation; it has broader implications for the food and beverage sector. The US beverage industry has relied heavily on HFCS since the 1970s, driven by economic factors such as lower costs due to government subsidies and technological advancements in corn refining. As a result, the US remains the largest corn exporter globally, with the corn refining industry supporting approximately 9,700 jobs.

However, the production of cane sugar is concentrated in tropical regions, with Brazil, India and Thailand leading global output. US cane sugar production faces challenges from federal tariffs and quotas, which complicate any potential shift in sourcing ingredients.

Health concerns surrounding HFCS have resurfaced, particularly with statements from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who labelled it “a formula for making you obese and diabetic”. While some experts argue that HFCS and cane sugar have similar health impacts, the perception of cane sugar as a more natural alternative could influence consumer purchasing decisions.

Coca-Cola has already seen a shift in consumer preferences, with its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar experiencing a 14% increase in global volumes last year, contrasting with only a 2% growth for traditional full-sugar sodas. This trend highlights a growing demand for products perceived as healthier.

🥤How will the move away from HFCS impact the industry? Find out more in our latest exclusive here.🥤

The political backdrop of this announcement cannot be overlooked. Trump's advocacy for cane sugar has caused fluctuations in the stock prices of major corn processors, demonstrating how political rhetoric can impact commodity markets. The Corn Refiners Association has expressed concerns that a widespread shift to cane sugar could threaten thousands of manufacturing jobs and harm farm incomes.

John Bode, chair of the Corn Refiners Association, commented, “For economic and practical reasons, Coca-Cola is more likely to introduce a cane sugar option for the US market rather than abandon HFCS altogether.” He warned that such a move could increase reliance on imported sugar, raising production costs without providing nutritional benefits.