The announcement made by President Donald Trump about Coca-Cola agreeing to use cane sugar in its namesake soda in the U.S. has sparked interest among consumers. However, Coca-Cola has not officially confirmed this claim, leaving many eager to see if the change will indeed take place.
Trump expressed his excitement about the potential switch to cane sugar in a social media post, stating that it would be a positive move for the company. He believes that using real cane sugar will enhance the taste of Coke and make it a better product overall.
While Coca-Cola has not confirmed Trump’s statement, a company spokesperson acknowledged the president’s enthusiasm for the brand. They hinted at possible new offerings within the Coca-Cola product range, suggesting that more details will be revealed soon.
For many years, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has been sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, but in some countries like Mexico, sugar is used instead. Some consumers in the U.S. prefer the taste of Mexican Coke and its use of sugar as a more natural ingredient.
The original formula for Coca-Cola, dating back to the late 1800s, used cane sugar as a sweetener. However, due to cost considerations, the company switched to high-fructose corn syrup in the early 1980s.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been critical of high-fructose corn syrup, labeling it as a contributor to obesity and diabetes. He has advocated for healthier food options by urging companies to eliminate artificial ingredients from their products.
On the other hand, John Bode, president and CEO of The Corn Refiners Association, has expressed concerns about replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar. He believes that such a change could have negative consequences for the American food industry and farm economy without providing any significant nutritional benefits.