Coca-Cola is shaking up its iconic recipe, once again, and likely thanks to President Donald Trump.
The soda giant announced earlier this week that it will debut a new version of its classic cola sweetened with real cane sugar, for the first time in the American market. This marks a significant shift from the high-fructose corn syrup formula that Americans have grown accustomed to since the 1980s.
The move to introduce the pure sugar-cane Coke comes after reportedly growing consumer interest in “cleaner” ingredients. However, the real push may have come from Trump’s love for Diet Coke, and his alleged communications with Coca-Cola leaders earlier this year.
Trump, who recently took to his Truth social media platform, claimed that he had spoken with Coca-Cola executives about bringing back real cane sugar in Coke.
“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!” Trump posted on July 16.
While the company hasn’t confirmed any policy or recipe changes directly based on Trump’s remarks, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey quickly acknowledged the President’s enthusiasm for the brand during an earnings call this week.
“As you may have seen last week, we appreciate the President’s enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand,” Quincey said, before almost immediately revealing the cane sugar rollout. Therefore, based on timing alone, it would be hard not to connect Trump to the Coca-Cola change.
Trump is so enthusiastic about the brand that he even has a designated “Diet Coke” button on his desk in the Oval Office, a button he can push to quietly request a Diet Coke in the President’s main room whenever he demands. Notably, the button was originally installed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a “Fresca” request button, per the LBJ Library.
Coca-Cola began using high-fructose corn syrup in the American market in the early 1980s as a cost-cutting measure, spurred by government subsidies for corn and trade restrictions on imported sugar. Meanwhile, countries like Mexico continued to use cane sugar, giving rise to the cult-like affection for “Mexican Coke,” sold in glass bottles and often celebrated by consumers as tasting superior.
Retailers across America, as well as countless independent restaurants, have helped meet the growing demand for pure cane sugar Coke in the United States. However, the 2025 official rollout marks the first time Coca-Cola will distribute a cane-sweetened version of its namesake recipe nationwide. The company says the new version is intended to “complement” its current lineup, not replace it, per DeseretNews.
The Coca-Cola announcement, however, doesn’t come without controversy.
While Trump and others have publicly championed the switch to cane sugar, the health science is murky at best. Experts widely agree that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are nutritionally similar, and both contribute to rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes when consumed in excess, according to Health.com.
Even still, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly blamed corn syrup for chronic disease, fueling skepticism about many modern food ingredients.
Over the last several years, the soda giant has leaned into low-sugar alternatives, with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar seeing 9% growth last year.
Coke’s main rival, Pepsi, is also getting creative in the 2025 market.
On Monday, Pepsi announced its own cane sugar product: a “Pepsi Prebiotic Cola” with added fiber and only five grams of sugar, targeting health-conscious consumers.