Coca-Cola’s Trump-Approved Soda Begins to Roll Out in the United States

New York — Coca-Cola has officially begun rolling out a new version of its classic soda sweetened with cane sugar, rather than the commonly used high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), following a push from former President Donald Trump. The soda is now available in select cities and retailers across the United States, marking a notable shift in the company’s product offerings.

The move comes after Trump publicly requested that Coca-Cola switch to cane sugar, citing concerns about the health risks associated with HFCS. A spokesperson for the beverage giant confirmed to CNN that the soda, which has been available in other markets such as Mexico, will now be sold in select locations across the U.S. The announcement of this change was made in July, shortly after Trump revealed that he had successfully persuaded the company to adopt cane sugar for its American-made cola.

Health Advocates and Public Demand Drive the Change

While Coca-Cola already uses cane sugar in several other beverages sold in the United States, including Simply Lemonade, Gold Peak iced tea, and Costa Canned Coffee, this marks the first time the company is making the switch for its flagship soda. The decision also responds to growing health concerns over the use of high-fructose corn syrup, a cheaper sweetener that has become a staple in many American food and drink products.

Trump’s call for the change was partly fueled by a strong stance against HFCS, which has been linked by some health experts to obesity and other metabolic issues. Health and Human Services Secretary under Trump, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has been a vocal critic of HFCS, advocating for the use of natural sweeteners like cane sugar instead.

Although cane sugar is often viewed as a more “natural” alternative, health experts have cautioned that sodas—regardless of whether they use cane sugar or HFCS—are still not a healthy option. The health risks of sugary sodas, including weight gain and diabetes, remain a concern, even with a change in sweetener.

Coca-Cola’s Shift Amid Growing Demand for Healthier Options

The introduction of the cane-sugar soda comes at a time when Coca-Cola is successfully expanding its portfolio of healthier drink options. The company has recently seen positive growth in its sugar-free offerings, with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar reporting a 14% increase in global sales, as noted in the company’s third-quarter earnings report this week.

The surge in demand for Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, alongside the relaunch of sports drink BodyArmor and the company’s bottled water brand Smartwater, indicates that consumers are increasingly seeking out healthier beverages. Coca-Cola’s ability to diversify its product lineup, offering both sugar-filled and sugar-free alternatives, has helped the company remain competitive in the evolving beverage market.

As Coca-Cola continues to adjust its offerings to meet changing consumer tastes and health trends, the company’s expansion into cane sugar sodas will likely be a significant talking point in the months ahead. While health-conscious consumers may welcome the change, industry analysts will be closely watching whether the new product line can make a meaningful impact in a market that has increasingly embraced low-calorie and sugar-free options.

Looking Ahead: Coca-Cola’s Healthier Future

As the company works to maintain its leadership in the global beverage industry, the roll-out of a cane-sugar soda marks another step in Coca-Cola’s broader strategy to appeal to both traditional soda drinkers and those seeking healthier alternatives. Despite the health criticisms that have dogged sugary drinks for years, Coca-Cola’s efforts to evolve in response to consumer demand suggest that the company is positioning itself for long-term growth in an increasingly health-conscious market.