If you love the classic taste of Coca-Cola, get ready for a bit of a shake-up.
This fall, Coca-Cola will launch a new version of its iconic soda in the US — but instead of the usual high fructose corn syrup, it will be sweetened with real cane sugar.
This change has been in the spotlight thanks to growing calls for healthier ingredients in food and drinks.
Health Campaigns and High-Profile Support Drive the Change
The push for Coca-Cola to switch its sweetener comes amid the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., encouraging food companies to rethink their ingredients.
Former President Donald Trump has also publicly endorsed the change, calling Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar “just better.”
Trump even took to Truth Social to share the news: “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.
This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”
Nutrition Experts Are Not So Sure About the Health Benefits
Despite the excitement, many nutritionists are urging caution. Dr. Marion Nestle, a leading nutrition expert from New York University, called the switch “nutritionally hilarious.”
She pointed out that both high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are made from glucose and fructose and have similar effects on the body — especially when consumed in excess.
A standard 12-ounce can of Coke contains 39 grams of sugar, no matter which sweetener is used.
That’s a lot of sugar, and too much can lead to serious health issues.
Other experts worry that people might think the cane sugar version is healthier, leading them to drink more soda and potentially worsening America’s obesity problem.
Coca-Cola’s Financial Health Remains Strong Despite Challenges
Coca-Cola confirmed the recipe change during its recent second-quarter earnings call.
The Atlanta-based beverage giant beat expectations, thanks to strong demand for its zero-sugar products and the ability to raise prices.
The company reported $12.62 billion in revenue for the quarter ending June 27, exceeding analyst predictions.
CEO James Quincey acknowledged some financial impacts due to tariffs introduced by former President Trump but said these effects were manageable.
Tariffs and Pricing Affect Coca-Cola’s Packaging Choices
With the tariffs on aluminum imports now at 50 percent, Coca-Cola is considering more affordable packaging options, including plastic bottles, to keep costs in check.
The company also increased its prices by about 6 percent in the second quarter, following a 5 percent hike earlier in the year.
