Trump Pushes for Cane Sugar in Coca-Cola—But Does It Really Beat Corn Syrup? Experts Respond
Trump Pushes for Cane Sugar in Coca-Cola—But Does It Really Beat Corn Syrup? Experts Respond
Former President Donald Trump recently stirred controversy—not with his usual political rhetoric, but with a comment about soda. During a public appearance, Trump mentioned he prefers Coca-Cola sweetened with cane sugar over the standard American version that uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This sparked a broader conversation: is cane sugar actually healthier than high-fructose corn syrup, or is it just a nostalgic preference?
In this article, we’ll explore the scientific, nutritional, historical, and political implications of sugar choices in beverages—especially in light of the former president’s statements. We’ll also dig into what nutrition experts, food scientists, and public health professionals have to say.
The Comment That Sparked a Debate
At a recent rally, Donald Trump joked that Coca-Cola “tastes better the way it used to”—specifically referring to versions made with cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup. He added that he prefers “Mexican Coke,” a version of the soda that is still made with cane sugar and sold in glass bottles.
The offhand comment was met with applause from some who share his view and criticism from others who called it “out of touch” or even “unscientific.” But behind the banter lies a real debate about the kinds of sweeteners used in our food and drink.
Understanding the Two Sugars: Cane Sugar vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets. Chemically, it's composed of 50% glucose and 50% fructose, forming a disaccharide known as sucrose. Cane sugar has been used for centuries in food preparation and preservation. It is often regarded as the "natural" sweetener due to its plant-based origin and less processed reputation.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
HFCS is a sweetener derived from corn starch, commonly used in processed foods and beverages in the U.S. since the 1970s. Unlike sucrose, which has a fixed 50/50 glucose-fructose structure, HFCS usually contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose in sodas (HFCS-55), and slightly different ratios in other food products.
Why Does Coke Taste Different?
Many Americans claim that Coca-Cola made in Mexico—often called “Mexican Coke”—tastes better than the domestic version. The primary reason is that Mexican Coke is sweetened with cane sugar, while the American version uses HFCS.
Some experts suggest that the difference in taste is psychological, while others argue that the molecular structure and mouthfeel of sucrose give it a cleaner, crisper finish compared to HFCS. The use of glass bottles in Mexican Coke also influences flavor perception.
Is Cane Sugar Really Healthier?
The Chemical Similarity
Nutrition experts agree that from a purely biochemical perspective, sucrose (cane sugar) and HFCS are nearly identical in calorie content and composition. Both deliver about 4 calories per gram, and both are quickly broken down into glucose and fructose in the body.
Dr. Marion Nestle, a professor emerita of nutrition at NYU, noted, "The differences are so slight, they are unlikely to matter biologically." Still, the debate continues because how our bodies process these sugars might vary in subtle but meaningful ways.
Fructose Metabolism and Health Impacts
Fructose, whether from cane sugar or HFCS, is metabolized in the liver. Excessive consumption of fructose is linked to:
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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Insulin resistance
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Increased triglycerides
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Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Expert Opinions
1. Harvard School of Public Health
According to Harvard researchers, “There’s no significant evidence that high-fructose corn syrup is worse for you than other forms of sugar.” They emphasize that overconsumption of any added sugar is harmful.
2. American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA recommends no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men, regardless of the type. A single can of regular Coke contains about 39 grams—exceeding the limit in one drink.
3. Dr. Robert Lustig, Pediatric Endocrinologist
Lustig, one of the most vocal critics of sugar, emphasizes that fructose is “a toxin in high doses.” He doesn't distinguish much between HFCS and cane sugar but criticizes the excessive levels of sugar in the American diet—largely driven by sweetened beverages.
Politics, Patriotism, and Nostalgia
Trump’s comment taps into something deeper than nutrition—it’s a form of nostalgic populism. "Bring back real Coke" is, in some ways, a proxy for a broader message of returning to “better times.” This has long been a rhetorical strategy in American politics.
Some experts also see this as part of a culture war on food, where choices around ingredients like gluten, sugar, GMOs, and plant-based alternatives have become highly politicized.
The Corn Lobby and Big Soda
HFCS became popular in the U.S. largely because of agricultural policy. Federal subsidies for corn production and tariffs on imported sugar made corn syrup cheaper than cane sugar. This gave rise to a powerful corn lobby with deep ties to the food and beverage industries.
In fact, Coca-Cola began using HFCS instead of cane sugar in the early 1980s, precisely because of these economic pressures. If companies were to switch back to cane sugar, it would increase costs—not just for soda, but for a wide range of processed foods.
Global Trends: Who Uses What?
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United States: Primarily HFCS
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Mexico: Mostly cane sugar in sodas
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Europe: Largely cane or beet sugar, as HFCS is regulated
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Asia: Mixed use depending on the country
International taste preferences and regulations have shaped how sugar is used. Many countries continue to use cane sugar because of climate, trade relationships, or stricter rules on HFCS.
Health Outcomes and Sugar Consumption
Several studies have linked HFCS consumption with rising obesity rates in the U.S., but isolating HFCS as the sole culprit is challenging. Factors like sedentary lifestyle, overall calorie intake, and consumption of other ultra-processed foods contribute heavily.
Key studies include:
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A 2004 paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked rising HFCS intake with obesity trends.
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A 2012 study in Nutrition Journal found minimal differences in metabolic effects between HFCS and sucrose.
The consensus: overconsumption is the real issue—not the sweetener itself.
Alternatives Gaining Ground
With sugar under scrutiny, many soda companies are introducing alternatives:
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Stevia: A zero-calorie sweetener derived from a plant
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Monk Fruit: Another plant-based, zero-calorie option
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Allulose & Erythritol: Rare sugars and sugar alcohols with lower glycemic impact
While these options show promise, they still have limitations in taste, digestive tolerance, and cost. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have experimented with these in various product lines, often with mixed consumer reviews.
Consumer Perceptions and Marketing
“Cane sugar” has become a marketing buzzword, much like “organic” or “non-GMO.” Products with cane sugar often command higher prices and are perceived as more “natural” or “clean,” even if the health impact is negligible.
This is where Trump’s comment aligns with broader public sentiment. Many consumers do believe cane sugar is better, regardless of scientific consensus.
Final Thoughts from Experts
The consensus among health professionals is clear: the quantity of added sugar in the diet is far more important than the source. Whether it's from HFCS or cane sugar, excess sugar consumption is linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and fatty liver.
Trump’s comment may revive nostalgic debates and stir political emotion, but from a health standpoint, switching back to cane sugar won’t solve America’s metabolic crisis.
Practical Takeaways for Consumers
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Read Labels: Whether it says "sugar," "cane sugar," or "HFCS," it's still added sugar.
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Limit Sugary Beverages: Water, unsweetened teas, and sparkling water are better choices.
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Watch Serving Sizes: Even a “small” soda can exceed your daily sugar limit.
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Don’t Be Fooled by Buzzwords: “Natural” doesn’t always mean healthier.
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Aim for Whole Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s preference for cane sugar Coke may resonate with many Americans who yearn for the flavors of the past. But when it comes to health, science says it doesn’t really matter what kind of sugar you’re drinking—what matters is how much. While cane sugar may win in taste tests and nostalgic appeal, the real issue lies in our collective overconsumption of sugar in all forms.
If you're looking to improve your health, don't get distracted by the sugar debate. Instead, focus on reducing your overall intake and making more informed dietary choices. Because in the end, it’s not about which sugar is better—it’s about consuming less of it altogether.
