In a surprising development, former President Donald Trump has claimed that Coca-Cola has committed to using real cane sugar in its drinks sold in the United States. This shift comes as health concerns regarding the use of corn syrup—a common sweetener in American products—gain traction, spurred by advocacy from Trump's Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his gratitude to Coca-Cola, stating, "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. I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola." The statement follows growing scrutiny of corn syrup and its potential negative health impacts.
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola acknowledged Trump's enthusiasm, indicating that the company is preparing to announce new innovative offerings soon. "We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm," they said. "More details on our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon," further implying that this change could signify a significant reformulation strategy.
Trump emphasized the positive implications of the switch, suggesting, "This will be a very good move by them - You'll see. It's just better." Unlike its American counterparts, Coca-Cola products in other regions, such as Mexico and the UK, are typically sweetened with cane sugar, which has been historically favored for its taste.
Coca-Cola's CEO, James Quincey, highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to reduce sugar in its beverages. He noted that the company continues to make changes to recipes while leveraging its global marketing resources to promote healthier options within its extensive product lineup.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal proponent of health-focused initiatives, encouraging American companies to eliminate substances like corn syrup, artificial dyes, and seed oils from their offerings. He has continuously criticized the sugar consumption levels in the U.S. and is likely to propose updated dietary guidelines nationwide.
Trump, for his part, remains a known consumer of Diet Coke, a beverage that contains the artificial sweetener aspartame, and even had a button installed in the Oval Office to summon the soda at any moment. As the discussion around nutritional standards escalates, the implications of this potential shift at Coca-Cola may resonate far beyond taste preferences, with health implications and industry standards hanging in the balance.
