Trump Says Coca-Cola Agrees to Use Cane Sugar for US Coke
US Cane Sugar Production Accounts for Roughly 30% of US Sugar Supply; Remainder Comes From Sugar Beets and Imports
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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 U.S.
鈥淚 have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,鈥 Trump said. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola.鈥
The company followed up with a statement, saying 鈥淲e appreciate President Trump鈥檚 enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.鈥
The company already sells a听version听of Mexico Coke that contains cane sugar. Coca-Cola declined to say whether it would transition all of its U.S. beverages to cane sugar, adding that it will provide further details when it reports earnings July 22.
Coke鈥檚 original soda currently contains high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener made from corn, according to the company鈥檚 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 Clinic. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said 鈥渉igh-fructose corn syrup is everywhere鈥 and contributing to making Americans unhealthy.
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鈥檇 like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them 鈥 You鈥檒l see. It鈥檚 just better! (TS: 16 Jul 20:19 UTC) 鈥 Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX)
U.S. cane sugar production in the 2025-26 season is expected to account for roughly 30% of U.S. sugar supply, according to the Department of Agriculture. The remainder of American sugar comes from sugar beets as well as imports from Mexico and other countries.
Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. 鈥 a corn syrup maker 鈥 fell more than 8% in extended New York trading. Coca-Cola shares were little changed. ADM ranks No. 77 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America. Numerous Coca-Cola bottling companies appear on the private TT100 as well.
Corn Refiners Association President John Bode said in a statement that replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn鈥檛 make sense given Trump鈥檚 support for U.S. farmers and U.S. manufacturing jobs.
鈥淩eplacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit,鈥 he said.
Trump famously drinks Diet Coke, which is artificially sweetened with aspartame. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey presented Trump with a custom bottle of Diet Coke to commemorate his inauguration earlier this year.
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