On July 22, 2025, Coca-Cola announced that it will make a major recipe change by switching from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. This planned change was also reiterated by President Donald Trump on social media, where he hailed the move, saying that real ingredients would return.
“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. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” President Donald J. Trump said on X.
However, health experts have a different opinion, saying that the change may not impact your health.
What’s the Difference? Cane Sugar vs High-Fructose Corn Syrup.
The main difference between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup lies in the proportions of fructose and glucose present in both. Cane sugar, derived from sugarcane is also known as sucrose and a single molecule contains 50% glucose and 50% fructose.
On the other hand, high-fructose syrup is made from starch and is processed to increase the fructose content. High-fructose (HFCS 55) contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose and is commonly used as a sweetener in the manufacture of beverages, especially soft drinks.
Despite the differences, they contain the same basic components, are classified as added sugars, and roughly the same number of calories.
What’s Changing in Coca-Cola’s Recipe?
Coca-Cola has used high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in the manufacture of its beverages for decades. Other beverages, such as the “Mexican Coke” are made using cane sugar.
According to President Trump, the change will align with the “Make America Healthier Again” slogan and political movement led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This movement champions the removal of artificial dyes and HFCS from foods and beverages.
Is Cane Sugar Healthier?
While Trump thinks that switching from high-fructose to cane sugar is healthier, health experts say that cane sugar is no different from high-fructose. Angel Planells, Seattle-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says that sugar is sugar, whether it is derived from cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or honey, since the body processes them in the same way.
Dr. Wesley McWhorter, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says that the best change would be to cut added sugars and not swap one sweetener for another. That way, there would be an improvement in the quality of foods and beverages we consume.
Why is Coca-Cola Making the Switch Then?
Since the change may not impact your health, it may have more to do with perceptions. In fact, most consumers believe cane sugars taste better than high-fructose. Additionally, fans of Mexican Coke believe that it is more refreshing and smoother than Coca-Cola.
The funny thing is that most people cannot tell the difference between the two when they are blindfolded. Experts say that the change in syrup used is a marketing angle meant to meet diverse consumer preferences without discontinuing the high-fructose one.
Conclusion
While Coca-Cola’s shift from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar has been welcomed and supported, especially by President Trump, and customers who prefer traditional sweeteners, experts argue that the difference is negligible. This is because both cane sugar and high-fructose syrup are added sugars that can cause chronic diseases if consumed in excess.
Therefore, the change would only have a major impact on health if it was about cutting back on both and not substituting one for the other.