U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claimed credit for pushing U.S. Coca-Cola to revert its U.S. soft drink formula from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the move “a win for real flavor,” asserting that “American Coke will taste better finally.” He thanked the company for its cooperation and tied the shift to his broader vision for “healthier American products.”
Coca-Cola, however, stopped short of confirming Trump’s announcement. The company responded by saying it appreciates the enthusiasm but noted only that more details on product updates are coming soon. No specific changes to ingredients or manufacturing were officially confirmed.
The move, if true, would align U.S. Coca-Cola with versions already sold in countries like Mexico and Australia, where cane sugar is the primary sweetener.
U.S. Coca-Cola Faces Industry Pushback and Health Debates
The announcement triggered mixed responses. While some consumers welcomed the idea of a more “authentic” Coke taste, industry groups raised alarms. The Corn Refiners Association warned that removing high-fructose corn syrup could impact thousands of U.S. jobs, hurt corn farmers, and increase reliance on imported sugar.
Health experts were also skeptical. Many pointed out that cane sugar and corn syrup have nearly identical nutritional profiles. “The real vs. artificial sugar debate is more about perception than science,” said one food scientist cited by The Daily Beast. The American Heart Association has not taken a stance on the issue, but broader dietary guidelines still advise limiting all added sugars, regardless of the source.
The change aligns with the Trump-backed “Make America Healthy Again” campaign led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which seeks to cut processed additives from the American diet. Kennedy has previously criticized high-fructose corn syrup for its alleged links to obesity and diabetes claims that are still debated in the medical community.
Skepticism Grows Amid Political Timing
Analysts and political commentators have questioned both the timing and intent behind Trump’s claim. Coca-Cola’s noncommittal response, combined with the logistical challenges of a nationwide formula overhaul, has cast doubt on whether a change is truly underway or simply a political narrative.
Some see the move as a distraction amid damaging revelations surrounding Trump’s connections to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Others view it as a strategic attempt to tap into populist, anti-corporate sentiment ahead of the 2024 campaign cycle.
Interestingly, Trump’s personal relationship with U.S. Coca-Cola has long been complicated. Despite frequently drinking Diet Coke reportedly up to 12 cans a day he once criticized diet sodas as unhealthy. During his presidency, he even installed a button in the Oval Office to summon his favorite drink on demand.
While Trump’s announcement stirred headlines and nostalgia for “Mexican Coke,” the truth remains unclear. U.S. Coca-Cola has yet to confirm any real-time formula shift, and health experts warn the sugar source matters less than the sugar quantity. For now, it appears Trump’s cane sugar claim is more about branding than beverage science.
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