US Coke to Mirror Mexican Cane Sugar Formula: Trump

Coca-Cola has reportedly agreed to transition its US products from high-fructose corn syrup to real cane sugar, according to President Donald Trump. The announcement comes amid ongoing health debates and growing pressure from federal officials to reform ingredients in processed foods.

Trump made the statement on July 16 via his Truth Social platform, saying he had been in communication with Coca-Cola executives. “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,” he wrote. “This will be a very good move by them — You will see. It is just better!”

While Coca-Cola has not confirmed the recipe change, a Coca-Cola spokesperson responded by acknowledging Trump’s involvement. “We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm,” the spokesperson said. “More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.”

Most Coca-Cola beverages sold in the United States are currently sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, unlike versions sold in countries such as Mexico, where cane sugar is the standard. A shift away from corn syrup could have broad implications for the food and agriculture sectors.

John Bode, president and CEO, Corn Refiners Association, warned the change could negatively affect jobs and domestic agriculture. “Replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and increase imports of foreign sugar — all with no nutritional benefit,” Bode said in a statement.

The decision appears to align with initiatives led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for the removal of certain food ingredients, including corn syrup, seed oils, and artificial dyes. His “Make America Healthy Again” campaign has linked these ingredients to a range of health concerns.

Kennedy, who is expected to update U.S. dietary guidelines later this year, has also criticized the nation’s overall sugar consumption.

During an April earnings call, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told investors the company is making progress in reducing sugar content through recipe reformulations and product diversification.

Coca-Cola has not provided a timeline for the ingredient shift, nor clarified whether the change will apply to all US beverages.