Trump Announces Coca-Cola to Use Cane Sugar in U.S. Drinks

President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages. This decision followed discussions between the President and the company's leadership. Trump expressed his gratitude to Coca-Cola's leadership for their cooperation.

Coca-Cola currently uses high-fructose corn syrup in most of its U.S. drinks. However, the company utilizes cane sugar in some international markets. A Coca-Cola spokesperson indicated that more details on new product offerings would be released soon and welcomed the President's support.

This change aligns with the Trump administration's health initiative, "Make America Healthy Again." This initiative, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has encouraged food companies to modify their product formulations. This includes removing artificial dyes and reducing added sugars.

Kennedy has also voiced concerns about excessive sugar consumption in American diets. He has previewed upcoming federal dietary guidelines that promote the consumption of "whole food." A report by the MAHA Commission linked high consumption of high-fructose corn syrup to childhood obesity and other health issues. However, medical experts generally agree that the health impact of cane sugar and corn syrup is similar, as both are forms of added sugar.

The proposed change has faced opposition from corn producers, particularly in the Midwest. They argue that replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would negatively impact American food manufacturing jobs, farm income, and increase sugar imports, without any nutritional benefit. Trump's home state of Florida is the leading sugarcane producer in the U.S.

As part of broader food policy changes, the Trump administration has also allowed some states to remove soda from SNAP benefits. This has put additional pressure on beverage companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.