Trump Says Coca-Cola to Return to Real Cane Sugar in the U.S. – But Company Stays Quiet for Now

In a surprising and nostalgic twist, former President Donald Trump has claimed that Coca-Cola is making a major change: bringing real cane sugar back to its beverages made in the United States.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump shared that the beverage titan has agreed to shift from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to traditional cane sugar—a move that many health advocates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have been urging for years.

“I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump announced. “This will be a very good move by them—You’ll see. It’s just better!”

While Trump didn’t explain what prompted the conversation or the decision, the announcement has already stirred discussion across the nation. Curiously, the change won’t impact Trump’s own preferred drink—Diet Coke—which is sweetened with aspartame, a substance recently labeled a “possible carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

And yes, that infamous red button is reportedly back in the Oval Office, delivering Diet Coke on demand.

Coca-Cola, for its part, hasn’t confirmed the change. In a brief statement, the company said, “We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.”

High-fructose corn syrup became the sweetener of choice in the U.S. in the 1970s, largely due to government subsidies for corn farmers and high tariffs on imported cane sugar. But HFCS has had its share of critics, with some studies linking it to inflammation, even if overall health differences between cane sugar and corn syrup remain minimal.

Still, many Americans associate cane sugar with a more “natural” and nostalgic flavor. Just look at the popularity of Mexican Coke, imported with cane sugar and often sold at a higher price because of its cleaner, crisper taste.

If Coca-Cola truly shifts to cane sugar, the decision could shake up the beverage market—and spark resistance in the Corn Belt, where corn syrup production has long been a source of economic strength and political loyalty.

For now, though, it remains a waiting game: a bold claim made, but no official confirmation from Coca-Cola. Whether it’s a new direction or just political fizz remains to be seen.