Why Coca-Cola is ditching corn syrup for cane sugar
Cane sugar vs corn syrup - why Coca-Cola is making the change.
Image: File picture
I’ve always been fascinated by what actually goes into the world’s most iconic soft drink.
While in South Africa, we’re used to Coke made with real cane sugar, many Americans have been drinking a version sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for decades.
That may soon change. Former US President Donald Trump recently announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch back to cane sugar in the United States.
While his announcement has raised eyebrows, the move also reignites a long-standing debate: is cane sugar actually better for us than corn syrup?
The announcement came from US President Donald Trump, who posted on his social media platform, Truth Social: “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… It’s just better!”
While Coca-Cola hasn’t confirmed full details, a brief statement on its website expressed appreciation for Trump’s enthusiasm and promised more news on product innovations soon.
For South Africans, this change might seem odd as we’ve long enjoyed Coke sweetened with cane sugar, as is the case in countries like the UK, Mexico and much of Africa.
In the US, however, HFCS has been the primary sweetener since 1985, introduced due to rising sugar costs and favourable corn subsidies.
What’s behind the change?
Although Trump didn’t cite a specific reason, his statement follows momentum from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, which calls for the removal of HFCS from processed foods. Research has linked HFCS to increased risks of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Is cane sugar really healthier?
The science is nuanced. Both cane sugar and HFCS are considered added sugars, and both can negatively affect your health when consumed in excess.
Cane sugar is less processed and doesn’t contain the higher levels of fructose found in HFCS, which some studies suggest may be more harmful when it comes to insulin resistance and fat accumulation.
Dietitians agree that no matter the source, added sugars should be limited to under 50 grams per day. A single 330ml can of Coke contains around 39 grams - whether sweetened with corn syrup or sugar.
The return to cane sugar may be a step towards cleaner labelling and less processed options.
For many American Coke fans, it could also mean a taste more in line with the rest of the world, including what we’ve long known in South Africa.
IOL Lifestyle