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Coca-Cola Follows Donald Trump: Recipe Changed – Cane Sugar Instead of Corn Syrup

Coca-Cola Follows Donald Trump: Recipe Changed – Cane Sugar Instead of Corn Syrup

"Simply better": Trump praises new sweetness – but the change comes with risks

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Carolin Roitzheim

Carolin Roitzheim

Food Editor at Kitchen Stories

Coca-Cola is gradually replacing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with cane sugar in the U.S. The move appears to be in response to pressure from Donald Trump, who has repeatedly voiced support for using “real sugar.” But the change is controversial.

Trump calls for “real sugar”

Donald Trump recently criticized Coca-Cola’s current formula and called for a return to “real sugar.” In an interview, he praised the new version of the drink as “simply better.” While Trump had reportedly boycotted Coca-Cola in 2021, he’s since been frequently seen with the beverage – including at campaign events.

Economic consequences possible

The change has sparked criticism. HFCS is largely produced domestically in the U.S., and switching to cane sugar could harm the American corn industry and lead to job losses. Higher production costs are also likely.

A political aftertaste

Coca-Cola cites consumer preferences as the reason for the change. Still, the timing – right in the middle of an election year – raises eyebrows. Trump’s influence on brands and markets may once again be more significant than many would like to admit.

Photo by Pixabay via Pexels.

Published on July 18, 2025

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