U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Coca-Cola will begin using real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its U.S.-produced beverages, following what he described as direct discussions with the company.
“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 Wednesday on Truth Social, calling the decision a “very good move” and adding, “You’ll see. It’s just better!”
Coca-Cola has not officially confirmed the ingredient change but issued a brief statement in response, saying it appreciated “the president’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand.” The company added that “more details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.”
While Trump did not specify his motivations, his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has publicly criticized HFCS and other ultra-processed ingredients. Kennedy has previously labeled HFCS “a formula for making you obese and diabetic” and pledged regulatory action on food additives not typically found in household kitchens.
HFCS, a cheaper alternative to cane sugar derived from corn starch, became widely used in U.S. sodas in the 1980s due to domestic agricultural subsidies and sugar import restrictions. However, Coca-Cola continues to use cane sugar in several international markets, including Mexico, where the local formula is favored for its taste.
Although many consumers believe cane sugar is a healthier or more natural option, the scientific consensus on its benefits remains inconclusive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated it is “not aware of any evidence” that HFCS is less safe than other sweeteners like sugar or honey.
If enacted, the switch would represent a major shift in Coca-Cola’s U.S. manufacturing and could signal a broader Trump administration push to address concerns over processed ingredients in the American food system.
