Trump Pushes Coca-Cola Toward Cane Sugar — But Is It Really Healthier? • Over Here Toronto

President Donald Trump announced last week that Coca-Cola had agreed to switch from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to real cane sugar in its U.S. formula. While the beverage giant has yet to confirm such a move, the statement has reignited a longstanding debate: Is cane sugar actually better for you than corn syrup?

The short answer from health experts is — not really.

**Photo via Getty Images** – Coca-Cola has been importing Coke from Mexico to the U.S. for decades, where it continues to be made with cane sugar.

What’s Behind the Announcement?

Trump, a known fan of Diet Coke, claimed on Truth Social that Coca-Cola had agreed to make the switch, calling it “a very good move.” Coca-Cola responded vaguely, stating that more details on product innovation would come soon, but did not confirm the cane sugar change.

The switch would mark a major reversal for the company, which has used HFCS in U.S. products since the 1980s. In contrast, Mexican Coke has long been made with cane sugar and is often imported to the U.S. for its distinct taste.

Cane Sugar vs. Corn Syrup: What’s the Difference?

From a nutritional standpoint, experts agree that there’s little to no difference between cane sugar and HFCS. Both are made up of roughly 50% fructose and 50% glucose, and both contribute to similar health risks when consumed in excess:

Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
High triglyceride levels
Heart disease

According to Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian from Tufts University, both sweeteners have “identical metabolic effects.” Fructose, in particular, is absorbed by the liver and converted into fat, making it the key concern in sweetened drinks.

Does Taste Matter?

For diehard soda drinkers, taste might be the real differentiator. Cane sugar is said to provide a cleaner, less syrupy taste compared to HFCS. Some experts, like Dr. Mozaffarian, even admit a personal preference: “I can’t stand the taste of corn syrup.”

But when it comes to health? That cleaner taste does not translate to better nutrition.

Could It Reduce Sugar Use?

Some dietitians believe switching to a more expensive sweetener could push Coca-Cola to lower the overall sugar content in its products. That’s where health gains could happen.

“If companies are required to use a more expensive alternative like sugar, maybe they’ll use less of it,” said Julia Zumpano, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.

**Photo via Getty Images** – President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Coca-Cola had agreed to use cane sugar in its regular Coke, though the company has not confirmed the decision.

Others remain skeptical. Angela Zivkovic, a nutritionist at UC Davis, pointed out that both sweeteners are “basically rocket fuel” with no real nutritional value. For sedentary people, neither version is ideal.

Corn Industry Pushes Back

The announcement sparked immediate criticism from U.S. corn growers and refiners, who warned that a switch could cost thousands of jobs and lead to higher imports of foreign sugar.

John Bode, President of the Corn Refiners Association, said the move would “depress farm income” and hurt U.S. manufacturing — all with “no nutritional benefit.”

The Real Issue: Too Much Sugar

At the end of the day, experts emphasize that the type of sugar matters less than the amount. A 20-ounce Coke contains 65 grams of added sugar, exceeding the recommended daily limit for both teens and adults.

“Soda is soda,” said Dr. Melanie Jay of NYU Langone. “No matter the form of sugar, it’s always better to drink less of it.”

Would a switch to cane sugar make you drink more — or less — Coca-Cola? Share your thoughts below.

More…