President Donald Trump recently announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use cane sugar in regular Coke sold in the U.S., a potential shift from the current high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetener. This announcement, made via social media, suggested a significant change for the beverage giant. However, according to the Associated Press, Coca-Cola has yet to officially confirm this move, raising immediate questions about the true implications of such a change, particularly concerning health. Nutritionists and health experts were quick to weigh in on what this potential ingredient swap would mean for consumers.

Currently, American Coke is primarily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. HFCS is classified as a refined sugar, meaning it originates from natural sources but undergoes processing that strips away other nutrients, leaving behind pure sugar. Historically, Coca-Cola originally used cane sugar in its formula but transitioned to HFCS in the early 1980s, primarily due to its lower cost. Interestingly, many other regions globally, such as Mexico, continue to use cane sugar in their Coca-Cola products, with Mexican Coke notably sold in classic glass bottles in the U.S.

Despite the perceived "natural" appeal of cane sugar, experts unequivocally state that Coke sweetened with cane sugar is not any healthier than its HFCS-sweetened counterpart. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, CEO of the NY Nutrition Group, highlighted that while cane sugar may have a "halo effect" on the surface, this perception is misleading. Both cane sugar, derived from sugarcane or sugar beets, and high-fructose corn syrup are refined sugars with remarkably similar molecular compositions. They both contain an approximate 50/50 split of the simple sugars fructose and glucose and are metabolized in virtually the same way by the human body. Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasized, "Our bodies aren’t going to know if that’s cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. We just know that it is sugar and we need to break that down."

The core issue, nutritionists explain, lies in the excessive consumption of any refined sugar, regardless of its source. Over-indulgence in either cane sugar or HFCS can lead to increased risks of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. As Susie aptly put it, "At the end of the day, it’s added sugar. Those added sugars really do add up." Experts consistently describe both versions of soda as "empty-calorie, blood glucose-spiking beverages," offering no nutritional benefits.

Given these health considerations, health professionals generally advise against regular soda consumption. While an occasional soda may be acceptable, it is not recommended as a regular part of one's diet. Even diet sodas, which contain no sugar or calories, are not endorsed by experts as they provide zero nutrients. For optimal hydration and overall health, water remains the gold standard. Susie also recommends unsweetened tea and sparkling water as healthier alternatives. For those craving a fizzy drink, Moskovitz suggests seltzer enhanced with a splash of juice or flavored with fresh fruits like berries, oranges, or limes, offering a more nutritious option.