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On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made a move that's already stirring national conversation. He announced that Coca-Cola will begin using real cane sugar in its US beverages. The statement, shared on Trump's Truth Social platform, suggests a significant shift in the company's usual formula, which currently relies on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

“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,” Trump posted.

“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!”

Even though Trump didn't elaborate on what prompted his push for the ingredient change, his message aligns with the goals of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again campaign. He has long criticised the widespread use of HFCS in processed foods and drinks.

Coca-Cola Responds To Trump’s Announcement, Teases New Product Updates

Though Coca-Cola didn't immediately confirm a reformulation of its US products, the beverage giant acknowledges the president's remarks 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."

Coca-Cola's US beverages have featured HFCS since 1980s, when the sweetener rose in popularity due to federal subsidies for corn and tariffs on imported sugar cane. Any move away from corn-based sweeteners may not sit well with farmers in the Midwest’s Corn Belt, a region that has historically supported Trump.

What's The Difference Between HFCS And Cane Sugar?

Scientifically, both HFCS and cane sugar (sucrose) are made of glucose and fructose. In HFCS, these sugars exist freely, while in sucrose they are chemically bonded. A comprehensive review found little difference between the two when it comes to health effects like weight gain or cardiovascular risk. The only significant finding was a slight rise in inflammatory markers in HFCS consumers.

Despite the negligible difference in health outcomes, many consumers prefer cane sugar for its perceived “cleaner” taste, a factor that has turned Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar, into a cult favourite in the US.

Trump's Favourite Drink Isn't Affected

The change would not affect Trump's own go-to beverage, Diet Coke. This drink is weetened with aspartame. Since returning to the White House, Trump is said to have reinstalled a button in the Oval Office, a device known to summon a chilled Diet Coke at the press of a finger.

Aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in Diet Coke, has its own controversy. It was recently listed as a “possible carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), though global food safety agencies continue to deem it safe within recommended limits.

If Coca-Cola does move forward with swapping out corn syrup for cane sugar in the US, it could mark a major turning point for the American beverage industry and potentially spark wider conversations around food regulation, farming subsidies, and public health.