President Donald Trump recently announced via social media that Coca-Cola had agreed to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar in its regular Coke sold in the U.S., a move he described as "very good." However, the Associated Press reported that Coca-Cola had not yet confirmed this potential change. This announcement prompted a closer look into the implications of such a switch, particularly concerning health, with nutrition experts weighing in on the matter.

Currently, American Coke is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a refined liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. This sugar has undergone processing that removes other nutrients, leaving only pure sugar. Historically, Coca-Cola was made with cane sugar, but the company transitioned to the cheaper high-fructose corn syrup in the early 1980s. Interestingly, many other regions globally, and even specific products like Mexican Coke sold in classic glass bottles in the U.S., continue to use cane sugar as their sweetener.

Despite the perception that cane sugar might be a healthier, more "natural" alternative, nutrition experts are in agreement: Coke sweetened with cane sugar is not healthier than its high-fructose corn syrup counterpart. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, CEO of the NY Nutrition Group, explained that while cane sugar might appear healthier on the surface, this "halo effect" is misleading. Both sweeteners are refined sugars, possessing similar molecular structures—each containing an approximate 50/50 split of the simple sugars fructose and glucose. Consequently, they are digested by the body in the same manner.

Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasized that the human body processes both cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup as simply "sugar." Excessive consumption of any refined sugar carries significant health risks, including an elevated likelihood of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. "At the end of the day, it’s added sugar," Susie stated, underscoring that these added sugars accumulate and contribute to adverse health outcomes.

Given these findings, experts generally do not recommend regular soda consumption, regardless of the sweetener. Moskovitz highlighted that soda, whether sweetened with cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, remains an "empty-calorie, blood glucose-spiking beverage." While diet soda, which contains no sugar or calories, might seem like a slightly better option, nutritionists still advise against it. Susie pointed out that both regular and diet sodas offer "zero nutrients." For optimal hydration, water is considered the gold standard. Susie also recommends unsweetened tea and sparkling water. For those craving a fizzy drink, Moskovitz suggested seltzer infused with a splash of juice or flavored with fresh fruit like berries, oranges, or limes as a healthier alternative.