Coca-Cola switches to cane sugar in the US

According to CNN, Coca-Cola is changing its sweetener source for products made in the U.S. The company plans to replace high-fructose corn syrup with pure cane sugar in response to rising consumer demand for more natural ingredients.

While the shift may seem purely technical, it carries political implications. Corn syrup is heavily subsidized by the U.S. government, a policy strongly supported during Donald Trump's presidency.

CNN reports that some Trump Organization hotels and restaurants are already offering the cane sugar version of Coca-Cola on a trial basis.

The change has boosted interest in “Mexican Coke,” the version of Coca-Cola made in Mexico using cane sugar — long popular among purists for its perceived better taste.

Experts warn that if Trump returns to office and reinstates trade restrictions on agricultural imports, sugar prices and supply chains in the U.S. could be significantly affected.

The move also reflects Coca-Cola’s global strategy to tailor products to regional preferences and ingredients, as it aims to meet diverse market expectations around the world.