“I’ve been talking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in US Cola, and they agreed to do so. I want to thank all those who have the authority to Coca-Cola, which will be a very good move by them.
It touted President Donald Trump in a recent post on social media platforms that Coca-Cola reportedly will introduce an American-made version of the iconic soda sweetened with sugarcane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
Some versions of coke already use cane sugar, including Coca-Cola, which is sold in Mexico.
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As a question about Trump’s post, Coca-Cola has revealed that it will launch “products made from US cane sugar” as part of its product line, “part of the ongoing innovation agenda.”
“This addition is designed to complement the company’s strong core portfolio and offer more choice beyond opportunities and preferences,” Coca-Cola reported in its second quarter 2025 revenue release.
Still, the announcement rekindled debate about the US sugar policy, and in some cases soda tax.
Will consumers bear the cost of Trump promoting sugar cane cola? Here are the details of what you need to know.
Cane Sugar vs. Corn Syrup: What’s the Difference?
The cane sugar cola discussion raises an important question: why do many US sodas use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) instead of sugar cane? Well, that mostly comes down to costs and policies.
Since the 1980s, US regulations, tariffs and allocations have made cane sugar even more expensive.
Taste-wise, some people say “Mexican cola,” a sugar cane soda, like a more natural taste. Others find the HFCS sweet soda slightly sweet.
However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both sweeteners are similar in terms of health impact.
Specifically, food agencies report that both sugarcane sugar (sucrose) and HFCs contain roughly equal glucose and fructose, and are arranged differently. On its website, the FDA states:
“We don’t recognize the evidence…there is a difference in safety between foods containing HFC and foods containing similar amounts of nutrient sweeteners, such as sucrose.”
The main advice from many nutrition industry experts is to limit the sugar added to your diet, regardless of type.
Does Coca-Cola with Cane Sugar cost more?
According to USDA data, cane sugar is typically 20% to 40% more than HFC.
As mentioned before, the price difference is primarily due to import restrictions, tariffs and increased cost of production of cane sugar compared to subsidized household corn used to make HFCs.
Recent data shows more than 50 cents of refined cane sugar per pound. This is about 12% more than high fructose corn syrup.
Some industry groups have explained that sugar cane sugar requires more processing than HFC.
For example, the Sugar Association reports that the crystallization and purification process from the fibrous cane stems is energy-type, while HFCS production is complex, but not energy-intensive.
If Coca-Cola partially exchanges HFCS for sugar cane sugar, the increased cost of ingredients alone could lead to a soda price increase by about 10%. Additional costs can be incurred from production changes and supply chain adjustments.
John Board, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, said in a statement on the organization’s website regarding the reformulation of potential products:
“It’s pointless to replace high fructose corn syrup with sugar cane sugar.
Note: Coca-Cola has not released details on the price of the potential cane sugar version of soda popular in the US
Soda tax could add another layer
Beyond ingredients, local soda taxes (also known as sweet drink tax) in several US cities, including Philadelphia, Seattle and Chicago (Cook County), can also affect the total price you pay on the register.
These taxes typically collect additional sales taxes on sweet drinks, whether they add 1-2 cents per ounce or sweetened with sugar or HFC. Also, the soda/sweet drink tax does not change based on which sweeteners are listed on the label.
Advocates say urban-level soda taxes will help to curb excess sugar consumption due to health concerns such as obesity and diabetes.
Data shows that sweet drink purchases fell by an average of 27% due to taxation. Some regions have reported improvements in public health, including weight loss, lower cavities, and improved pregnancy outcomes.
However, critics argue that the soda tax affects disproportionately working families.
Additionally, some studies suggest that soda tax alone may not lead to significant changes in body mass index (BMI) or obesity prevalence due to factors such as other unhealthy foods and consumer alternatives to broader lifestyle problems.
In particular, as of 2025, at least three states (Arizona, Michigan and Washington) passed laws specifically banning local governments from imposing new soda taxes.
What does this all mean for soda lovers?
President Trump’s appeal for cane sugar-cola sparked a debate about American soda preferences. Sugar switches resonate with some, but the actual effects may feel more in consumer wallets than in taste buds.
Cane sugar tends to be more expensive, which can potentially lead to higher costs for consumers. If your goal is health-conscious consumption, many experts say it is to ease your overall sugar intake, regardless of the sweetener used.
Ultimately, knowing the various factors you play will allow you to make an informed decision about the sweet drinks you will be buying.
With regard to the new coke product line, the company suggests that it could be introduced this fall. stay tuned.
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