Trump says Coca-Cola agrees to use cane sugar for Coke in US

Kristina Peterson, Bloomberg News on Jul 16, 2025

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President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that Coca-Cola Co. has agreed to use cane sugar in Coke beverages sold in the US.

“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,” Trump said. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola.”

Coca-Cola didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment. The company already sells a version of Mexico Coke that contains cane sugar.

Coke’s original soda currently contains high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener made from corn, according to the company’s website. The syrup is commonly used in packaged goods because it is more shelf stable, cheaper and sweeter than regular sugar, according to the Cleveland Health Clinic. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said “high-fructose corn syrup is everywhere” and contributing to making Americans unhealthy.

US cane sugar production in the 2025-26 season is expected to account for roughly 30% of US sugar supply, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The remainder of American sugar comes from sugar beets, as well as imports from Mexico and other countries.

Trump famously drinks Diet Coke, which is artificially sweetened with aspartame. Coca-Cola Chief Executive James Quincey presented Trump with a custom bottle of Diet Coke to commemorate his inauguration earlier this year.

Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. — a corn syrup maker — fell more than 7% in extended New York trading. Coca-Cola shares were little changed.

(With assistance from Catherine Larkin and Ilena Peng.)