Trump Pushes for Coca-Cola to Switch to Cane Sugar in US

President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its drinks sold in the US. The Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, had expressed concerns about the health impacts of corn syrup, which Coca-Cola currently uses in its American products.

Trump shared on social media that he had been in discussions with Coca-Cola regarding the use of real cane sugar in Coke in the US, and the company has agreed to make the change. A Coca-Cola spokesperson acknowledged Trump's enthusiasm and mentioned that more details about new innovative offerings in their product range would be shared soon.

While Coca-Cola products in the US are typically sweetened with corn syrup, in other countries like Mexico, the UK, and Australia, cane sugar is commonly used. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey previously mentioned efforts to reduce sugar content in their beverages through recipe changes and marketing strategies.

However, the potential switch to cane sugar could have implications for American corn farmers. The President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, John Bode, warned that replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar could lead to job losses in the food manufacturing industry, lower farm income, and increased sugar imports without any nutritional benefits.

The Health Secretary's Make America Healthy Again movement aims to encourage companies to eliminate ingredients like corn syrup, seed oils, and artificial dyes from their products due to health concerns. Kennedy plans to update nationwide dietary guidelines this summer to address issues related to sugar consumption and overall health.

Trump, who is known for his consumption of Diet Coke sweetened with aspartame, has shown support for the use of real cane sugar in Coca-Cola. The article questions whether Kennedy's initiative is fearmongering or revolutionary in its efforts to improve America's diet.