Trump wants cane sugar in Coke--at the expense of corn country

[douglas9]

President Donald Trump wants Coca-Cola to taste like it used to, even if it means shaking up a key part of the American economy to do it.

On Wednesday, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he’s pushing soda giant Coca-Cola to replace high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in its flagship product. And in true Trump fashion, he claimed victory before anything had actually changed.

“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,” the president posted. “This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”

Coke fans have long praised Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar and, according to enthusiasts, tastes crisper and less syrupy than the U.S. version. But within hours of Trump’s post, Coca-Cola issued a carefully worded statement that did not confirm any sweeping change, saying only that it would have “more details on new innovative offerings” coming soon.

Still, Trump’s pressure campaign was enough to unsettle the corn industry—and send markets into a spin.


https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/7/17/2333852/-Trump-wants-cane-sugar-in-Coke-at-the-expense-of-corn-country?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=main

[lapfog_1]

1. we grow corn here by the literal bushel

sugar cane can be grown here in Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Hawaii. However it is likely that we might have to import sugar from sugarcane to replace HFCs in a lot of products... thus we will pay whatever tariff is imposed. Since it is a commodity, that means all cane sugar will rise in price. Additional tax for Americans that like Coke and other products that contain HFC.

[OldBaldy1701E]

2. Umm...

Didn't Coke release a statement that they had agreed to no such demand?

[Delarage]

3. I rarely drink soda

And when I do, it's usually Zevia (sweetened with Stevia). HFCS is worse than sugar, so I sort of approve of this for health reasons. However, him taking credit is typical and appalling.

[twodogsbarking]

4. Will they put the cocaine back in Coke. Would likely boost sales.

[struggle4progress]

5. Uh oh! If Diet Coke doesn't get real sugar, Atlanta's gonna get hit with tariffs!

[Grins]

6. Said the guy who drinks DIET Coke! NM

[progressoid]

7. I don't drink sugar drinks anymore but my kids LOVE Mexican Coke

They prefer it to the HFCS stuff every time.