President Donald Trump recently announced on 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., claiming it would be a "very good move." However, Coca-Cola has not yet confirmed this potential change, raising questions about the actual health implications of such a switch.

Currently, American Coke is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. This is a refined sugar, processed to remove other nutrients, leaving only pure sugar. Historically, Coke 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 Mexican Coke sold in the U.S., continue to use cane sugar.

Despite the perception that cane sugar might be healthier, nutrition experts assert that Coke made with cane sugar offers no health advantages over its high-fructose corn syrup counterpart. Both are refined sugars, with cane sugar originating from sugarcane or sugar beets. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, CEO of the NY Nutrition Group, explains that while cane sugar may seem "natural" on the surface, this "halo effect" is misleading. Both sweeteners possess similar molecular structures, each containing a roughly 50/50 split of the simple sugars fructose and glucose, and are metabolized identically by the body.

Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasizes that the body processes both as sugar. Consuming excessive amounts of any refined sugar can elevate the risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. As Susie notes, "At the end of the day, it's added sugar. Those added sugars really do add up."

Given these insights, experts generally advise against regular soda consumption, regardless of the sweetener. Moskovitz highlights that whether sweetened with cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, soda remains an "empty-calorie, blood glucose-spiking beverage." Even diet soda, while calorie-free, provides no nutritional value. For optimal hydration, Susie recommends water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water. For those craving a fizzy drink, Moskovitz suggests seltzer enhanced with a splash of juice or fresh fruit like berries, oranges, or limes.