Trump: “Coca‑Cola will start using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States”
Washington, July 16, 2025 – In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced a significant change in Coca‑Cola’s flagship product in the U.S.
“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,” Trump wrote. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca‑Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” AP News+3Business Insider+3CBS News+3Omni+15Reuters+15WRAL.com+15
Coca‑Cola traditionally replaced cane sugar with high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS) across its U.S. sodas since 1984, citing cost and corn subsidies Wikipedia+7Wikipedia+7Barron’s+7. Meanwhile, in markets like Mexico, the UK, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, the company continues to sweeten with cane sugar Business Insider+15ABC News+15ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV+15.
Corporate response and financial ripple effects
An official Coca‑Cola statement expressed appreciation for Trump’s enthusiasm and hinted that “more details on new innovative offerings within our Coca‑Cola product range will be shared soon,” but did not confirm a full reformulation Omni+8ABC News+8Business Insider+8.
Markets reacted: shares of corn‑syrup suppliers fell sharply after Trump’s announcement. Archer‑Daniels‑Midland dropped 5% while Ingredion also declined, reflecting investor concern over reduced HFCS demand Barron’s+1ABC News+1.
Health, messaging, and industry context
The announcement aligns with the Trump‑backed “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which encourages food companies to eliminate processed ingredients like HFCS and synthetic dyes ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV+3Barron’s+3Reuters+3.
However, industry pushback has emerged. The Corn Refiners Association criticized the shift as economically counterproductive, stating sugar isn’t nutritionally superior to corn syrup and warning of potential job losses in food manufacturing and corn farming AP News.
What consumers might see
Uncertainty remains whether this effort will lead to a universal recipe change, or be introduced as a new product tier—such as broader availability of “Mexican‑style” cane sugar Coke in the U.S. Axios.
If fully adopted, a nationwide formula shift could increase costs, as cane sugar is traditionally more expensive and has a shorter shelf life than HFCS Omni+15mint+15Business Insider+15. Analysts suggest any rollout could be gradual, possibly beginning with limited editions or premium product lines.
Bottom line: Trump’s statement marks a potentially significant shift in Coca‑Cola’s U.S. operations. But until the Atlanta‑based company provides concrete details, the impact on everyday consumers—and the broader sugar supply chain—remains to be seen.
