Overview
- President Trump said he secured Coca-Cola’s commitment to use real cane sugar in U.S. sodas, and the company has confirmed a new cane sugar-sweetened cola will debut this autumn alongside its high-fructose corn syrup range.
- CEO James Quincey emphasized that the cane sugar variant is an addition to Coca-Cola’s lineup rather than a replacement of its existing formula.
- Endocrinology experts point out that cane sugar and HFCS contain comparable fructose levels and have virtually identical effects on weight, blood sugar, cholesterol and heart disease risk.
- Studies warn that labeling products as made with “natural” cane sugar can create a health halo that may lead consumers to drink more despite equal calorie content.
- Economic analysis indicates that U.S. farm assistance programs, including a $10 billion Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, should shield corn growers from initial losses, while international measures like Chile’s labeling laws have reduced sugary drink intake by nearly 25 percent.