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.
Coca-Cola will add a new soda drink made from real cane sugar this fall, the company says.
Coca-Cola announced the development of its second quarter report, according to a news release on Tuesday, July 22nd. When President Donald Trump declared on July 16 that Coca-Cola had agreed to use real cane sugar in soda drinks sold in the US, the beverage companies remained silent.
The Atlanta-based company did not announce its switch, but according to a news release, Coca-Cola said this fall will launch a product made from US sugar to expand its trademark Coca-Cola product range.” “This addition is designed to complement the company’s strong core portfolio, offering more options beyond opportunities and preferences.”
New drinks include coke names. “We’re planning on putting sugar cane sugar into the market this fall and taking coke. I think it’s going to be a lasting option for consumers,” Coca-Cola CEO James Quincy said in a call after earnings on Tuesday, July 22nd.
Coca-Cola currently uses high fructose corn syrup to sweeten US products, but other countries, including Mexico, use cane sugar. There has been a long-term debate over whether Mexican cola is better than American coke.
Quincey said Coca-Cola uses sugar cane sugar in some of its other drinks, including gold peak sweet tea, vitamin water, Costa coffee iced coffee drinks and lemonade.
On July 16, President Trump announced that Coca-Cola would switch from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar.
“I’ve been talking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in American Cola, and they agreed to do so,” Trump wrote. “I would like to thank all those who have the authority of Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them – you will see. It’s just good!”
During the revenue call, Quincey said, “We are grateful for the President’s enthusiasm for the Coca-Cola brand.” As part of the company’s ongoing innovation agenda in the US this fall, we will expand our Coca-Cola product range with US cane sugar to reflect consumer interest in a differentiated experience,” Quincey said. “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 US food production and consumption away from ingredients such as artificial dyes. While he makes America healthy again, and both sweeteners are considered unhealthy, some scientists say sugar has more nutritional benefits than high fructose corn.
Coca-Cola revenues rise despite economic “uncertainty”
Coca-Cola’s equivalent revenues rose nearly 2.5% to $12.62 billion in the second quarter of 2025, breaking the $12.58 billion estimate based on analysts voted by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Volumes have fallen in North America, “due to continued uncertainty and pressure on consumer socioeconomic segments,” Quincey said.
They have become more price sensitive, especially in the consumer, particularly in the low-income segment.
Coca-Cola stocks, which have soared 12% so far in 2025, fell slightly in early trading on Tuesday, July 22nd.
Contributor: Anthony Robredo And Reuters
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
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