American soft drink giant Coca-Cola said it plans to introduce a new sugar-sweetened Coke into its existing lineup and confirmed a plan previewed by President Donald Trump last week.
The company has used regular sugar to add sugar to its signature burnt drinks in many parts of the world, but in the United States, it has often used a lower-cost alternative to corn syrup for decades.
Trump’s health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr expressed concern about the health risks of corn syrup, although experts say there is no clear nutritional reason to support a sweetener.
“It’s going to be a great move for them – you’ll see. It’s better!” Trump wrote on social media last week.
In a quarterly update to investors on Tuesday, the company confirmed it will “issued products with our sugar cane-made products” in the fall.
The company said the new product will “complement” its existing lineup and provide customers with more options.
When asked about the decision, boss James Quincey said: “We definitely want to use the entire tool … there are some places where consumer preferences are available, sweet options available.” He noted that the company has used cane sugar in several brands in the United States, including lemonade, coffee and vitamin water.
Trump was surprised when he announced last week that the company agreed to use real cane sugar.
According to a recent 2024 book: How Trump retakes the White House, the U.S. president had previously asked questions with the company’s boss in January. The book reports that he called the billionaire sugar farmer Jose Fanjul (main political donor) to the question.
Trump touted the move on social media last week: “I have been talking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in Coca-Cola in the U.S., and they agree to do that.”
At the time, a Coca-Cola spokesman said they “appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm.”
A product sold in the United States with “Mexican Coke” sold in glass bottles at higher prices, also lists traditional sugars, rather than corn syrup as sweeteners, and has gained a dedicated following since its launch in 2005.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
