President Donald Trump recently announced on social media that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch to using cane sugar in its regular Coke sold in the U.S., a move he described as beneficial. However, the Associated Press reported that Coca-Cola has yet to officially confirm this potential change, raising immediate questions among health experts regarding its actual implications for consumer health.

Currently, regular Coca-Cola in America is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. Coca-Cola originally used cane sugar but transitioned to HFCS in the early 1980s, primarily due to its lower cost. While HFCS became the standard in the U.S., many other parts of the world, including the popular Mexican Coke sold in classic glass bottles, continue to use cane sugar as their sweetener.

Despite the perception that cane sugar might be a healthier alternative, nutrition experts are in strong agreement: Coke sweetened with cane sugar is not any healthier than its high-fructose corn syrup counterpart. Both are categorized as refined sugars, meaning they originate from natural sources but undergo processing that strips away other nutrients, leaving behind pure sugar. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, CEO of the NY Nutrition Group, noted that while cane sugar may have a 'natural' halo effect, this benefit does not extend to its nutritional profile in comparison to HFCS.

The fundamental reason for this equivalence lies in their similar molecular compositions. Both cane sugar, derived from sugarcane or sugar beets, and high-fructose corn syrup contain an approximate 50/50 split of the simple sugars fructose and glucose. As Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, explained, our bodies process and break down these sweeteners in virtually the same manner, making no distinction between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup from a metabolic perspective.

Consequently, the health risks associated with consuming excessive amounts of refined sugars remain consistent, regardless of the type. Nutrition experts caution that overconsumption of either cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup can contribute to a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including weight gain, the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Susie emphasized that, ultimately, 'it’s added sugar' and 'those added sugars really do add up.'

Given these findings, experts generally advise against regular soda consumption. Whether sweetened with cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, soda is an 'empty-calorie, blood glucose-spiking beverage' that provides zero essential nutrients. Even diet soda, while free of sugar and calories, is not recommended as a healthy regular choice due to its lack of nutritional value.

For optimal hydration, water remains the gold standard. Experts also suggest unsweetened tea and sparkling water as beneficial alternatives. For those craving the fizzy sensation of soda, a healthier option proposed is seltzer infused with a splash of juice or flavored with natural fruits like berries, oranges, or limes.