President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) will begin using real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages following his 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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Coca-Cola typically uses high-fructose corn syrup in its U.S. products but relies on cane sugar in other countries. A company spokesperson confirmed new product announcements are forthcoming and acknowledged Trump’s enthusiasm.
The shift aligns with Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, linked to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which urges food manufacturers to eliminate artificial additives. Kennedy has criticized excessive sugar consumption and is advocating for updated dietary guidelines that promote whole foods.
A recent MAHA Commission report, led by Kennedy and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, cited high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a contributor to childhood obesity and chronic illness. The commission has influenced policy changes, including approvals for states to exclude soda from food assistance programs like SNAP.
Despite the move, health experts note no significant nutritional difference between cane sugar and HFCS. Still, the switch has sparked backlash from the Corn Refiners Association. CEO John Bode warned that replacing HFCS with cane sugar could lead to job losses in food manufacturing, harm Midwest corn growers, and increase foreign sugar imports—without health benefits.
Trump’s home state of Florida is the top U.S. sugarcane producer, adding political complexity to the decision. Meanwhile, corn refiners, with deep political ties in Washington, remain staunchly opposed.
The White House has not commented on the development, but the move could signal broader food industry reforms under Trump’s health-focused agenda.