Trump Claims Coke to Ditch HFCS for Cane Sugar: Healthier or Hype?

President Donald Trump recently announced via social media that Coca-Cola had agreed to replace high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in its regular Coke sold in the U.S., proclaiming it would be a "very good move." However, this potential change, though lauded by the President, has not yet been confirmed by Coca-Cola, according to the Associated Press, raising questions about its actual implications for consumer health.

Currently, American Coke is primarily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. This refined sugar was introduced to Coke in the early 1980s as a cheaper alternative to cane sugar, which had been the original sweetener. Many other countries, along with specific products like Mexican Coke sold in the U.S., continue to use cane sugar.

Despite the perception that cane sugar might be a healthier, more "natural" option, nutrition experts contend that Coke sweetened with cane sugar is no healthier than its high-fructose corn syrup counterpart. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, and Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, both emphasize that both cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are refined sugars with similar molecular structures, each containing roughly a 50/50 split of fructose and glucose. They are digested in the body in much the same way, meaning the body does not differentiate between the two as significantly different substances.

Experts warn that consuming excessive amounts of any refined sugar, whether from cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, can elevate the risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. As Susie succinctly puts it, "At the end of the day, it’s added sugar. Those added sugars really do add up.”

Given these health considerations, nutritionists generally do not recommend regular soda consumption, regardless of the sweetener. While an occasional soda may be acceptable, these beverages are considered "empty-calorie, blood glucose-spiking" drinks, as Moskovitz notes. Even diet soda, despite being sugar and calorie-free, is not recommended as it offers zero nutritional value. For optimal hydration, experts suggest water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water. For those craving a fizzy drink, Moskovitz recommends seltzer flavored with a splash of juice or fresh fruits like berries, oranges, or limes.