Trump wants cane sugar in Coke. Here’s why most Coke sold in US uses corn syrup
President Donald Trump says he wants Coca-Cola to use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup in its trademark drink, but what exactly is the difference?
It’s been about two weeks since Trump posted on Truth Social about discussing the sweetener change with the Atlanta-based company. Trump said that Coke made with real cane sugar simply tastes “better.”
Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey confirmed last week that there are plans to make a cane sugar version of the drink. He also thanked the president for his enthusiasm for the brand.
While Mexican Coke (AKA Coke made in Mexico) uses cane sugar, most of the Coke sold in the U.S. does not. As the soft drink giant goes back to the drawing board, here’s a look at the difference between both.
What’s the difference between Coke and Mexican Coke?
Anyone with a regular Coke bottle will find the same ingredients on the label:
- Carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Caramel color
- Phosphoric acid
- Natural flavors
- Caffeine
With Mexican Coke, the ingredient list looks nearly similar:
- Carbonated water
- Cane sugar
- Caramel color
- Phosphoric acid
- Natural flavors
- Caffeine
Why are Coke and Mexican Coke made with different sweeteners?
Essentially, it all comes down to sugar prices.
Since 1984, American-made Coke has used high fructose corn syrup due to high demand and even higher sugar prices, according to The New York Times archives. Imported raw sugar was taxed to a high level to protect the domestic industry in the U.S.
On the flip side, sugar production is big business in Mexico, and the country has tried to inhibit the import of high fructose corn syrup, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
