Coca-Cola has begun offering a new U.S. version of its soda sweetened with American cane sugar, following a request from President Donald Trump. The new product, packaged in 12-ounce glass bottles reminiscent of the popular Mexican Coke, is being rolled out in select U.S. markets due to limited cane sugar supply and bottling capacity.
President Trump had previously urged the company to produce a version of its soda using real cane sugar, claiming it would be a healthier alternative to the high-fructose corn syrup commonly used in American sodas. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also criticized high-fructose corn syrup, linking it to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
While some consumers and health advocates praise the move, experts caution that nutritionally, cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are essentially the same. The FDA has stated it is not aware of any evidence that there is a difference in safety between the two sweeteners.
Coca-Cola has seen growing consumer interest in healthier beverage options, with gains in products like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, BodyArmor, and Smartwater. The introduction of the cane sugar soda is part of the company’s efforts to meet this demand.
