Trump Says Coke Will Shift to Cane Sugar, But Shoppers Want No Sugar in Their Sodas
Introduction to the Debate
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all.
By DEE-ANN DURBIN
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all.
The Rise of Sugar-Free Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It’s one of Coke’s fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company’s total case volumes were up 2%.
PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks.
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
“When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,” said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest.
Coca-Cola Co. hasn’t confirmed a presidential pronouncement
The scrutiny over Coke’s sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the U.S.
“I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”
FILE – Former President Donald Trump drinks a Diet Coke during the ProAm of the LIV Golf Team Championship at Trump National Doral Golf Club, Oct. 27, 2022, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Coca-Cola didn’t confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump’s enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon.
Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup, which has sweetened Coke in the U.S. since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the U.S. doesn’t make enough sugar for Coke’s needs.
The Impact of Cane Sugar on the Market
He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the U.S. just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged U.S. fans by importing Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles.
A rush to defend high fructose corn syrup
The corn industry wasn’t happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs.
The Health Implications of Sugar in Sodas
Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump’s announcement.
In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it’s no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners.
“It’s safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,” the company said. “Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.”
The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners.
US consumers are seeking more options
Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs. Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Trump’s announcement about Coca-Cola switching to cane sugar has sparked debate, the real trend in the market is towards sugar-free and low-sugar drinks. As consumers become more health-conscious, companies like Coca-Cola need to adapt to meet their demands. The rise of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and other low-sugar drinks is a clear indication of this shift in consumer preferences.
FAQs
Q: What is the current trend in the soda market?
A: The current trend in the soda market is towards low-sugar and sugar-free drinks, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier options.
Q: What is Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
A: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a sugar-free version of Coca-Cola that uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and stevia.
Q: What is the difference between high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar?
A: High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are both sweeteners used in soda, but they have different sources and nutritional profiles. High fructose corn syrup is derived from corn, while cane sugar is derived from sugarcane.
Q: Is high fructose corn syrup safe to consume?
A: According to the Food and Drug Administration, there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that use sugar, honey, or other traditional sweeteners.
Q: What are the health implications of consuming sugar in sodas?
A: Consuming high amounts of sugar in sodas has been linked to various health problems, including obesity and tooth decay. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day, while men should limit their intake to no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day.
