Coca-Cola agrees to switch to cane sugar with US drinks, Trump says
President Donald Trump says he has agreed to start using cane sugar in American drinks, similar to recipes used in other countries.
If you’re an avid soda drinker, there are options to choose from right away, as the two biggest names in the industry announced plans for a new drink this week.
Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have unveiled new drinks. Coke says it will add a new soda made with real sugar cane this fall, but Pepsi is jumping on the prebiotic soda bandwagon with the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola.
Here are what you’d expect from each of our longtime drink rivals’ new products, and what you might be able to buy yourself:
Coca-Cola uses sugar to develop new drinks
Coca-Cola said in its second quarter revenue release on July 22 that it will “start supply made with US sugar to expand its trademark Coca-Cola product range.”
The beverage giant announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in soda drinks sold in the US after President Donald Trump declared on July 16.
Coca-Cola didn’t switch all American drinks to sugar cane sugar and instead offered a replacement for the standard American drink made with high fructose corn syrup.
“I’ve been talking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in American Cola, and they agreed to do so,” Trump wrote in Truth Society on July 16th.
Coca-Cola currently uses high fructose corn syrup to sweeten US products, but other countries, including Mexico, use cane sugar, which encourages long-term debate over whether Mexican coke is better than US cola
“We are grateful for the President’s enthusiasm for the Coca-Cola brand,” James Quincy said in a revenue call. “This edition is designed to complement our strong core portfolio and offer more choices beyond opportunities and preferences.”
Trump’s announcement in part supports health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to move food production and consumption away from ingredients such as artificial dyes. While he’s making America healthy again, he sees both sweeteners as unhealthy, some scientists say sugar has more nutritional benefits than high fructose corn syrup.
Pepsi joins the prebiotic soda boom
Pepsi says the newly announced prebiotic cola will be available online this fall from early 2026, according to a news release.
In recent years, prebiotic sodas have been booming with popular brands such as Poppi, Olipop and Bloom. Soft drinks served in bright, colorful cans are touted as healthier for the gut and better for the consumer than traditional soda. The nutritionist agrees with the latter, but drinks should not be expected to cure your gut health on your own.
Pepsi Pre Bitic Cola comes months after Pepsico announced its acquisition of Poppi for $1.95 billion.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, prebiotics are plant fibers that act as food for the body’s microbiota.
Most prebiotic sodas contain 2-9 grams of prebiotic fiber per can, but the recommended daily fiber is 25-38 grams per day.
“I’m always looking for opportunities.”
When asked about Coca-Cola’s new cane sugar drink and Pepsi prebiotic drinks in a July 22nd revenue call, Quincy noted that these innovations aren’t always there, and that the industry is “always always looking for opportunities to innovate.”
“We’re not just thinking about it, but I think the industry is always looking for a crossroads of new ideas, taking into account its size, appeal and growth potential, where the intersection of new ideas is and where in fact most innovations are evolving towards remembering that most innovations don’t work in the long run.”
“But that’s a good indication that the industry, including ourselves, is trying to do a lot of different things,” Quincey said.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can follow him with X @geuna Alternatively, email him at gdhauari@gannett.com.
Mike Snyder is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can follow him in the thread, send BlueSky, X with X and send him an email Bliss & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider &msnider@usatoday.com
Gretacross is a national trend reporter for USA Today. Story ideas? Please email her gcross@usatoday.com.
