WASHINGTON, D.C. — Coca-Cola is making a notable change to its flagship product in the United States. The company is rolling out a cane sugar version of its soda, a move influenced by a public push from former President Donald Trump. This change comes as consumers increasingly seek products that evoke nostalgia and are perceived as healthier.

For decades, Coca-Cola has primarily used high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its beverages. This shift began in the early 1980s, coinciding with the launch of the unsuccessful "New Coke." In the U.S., labels clearly indicate the use of HFCS, while in Canada, the ingredient is often labeled as "Sugar (glucose-fructose)," which can mislead consumers into thinking it is cane sugar.

Trump announced on social media that Coca-Cola would begin using real cane sugar in its products. "I have been speaking to @CocaCola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," he wrote. However, there are currently no plans to introduce this cane sugar version in Canada.

Brand experts suggest that the move to cane sugar taps into consumer nostalgia and a desire for simpler, more authentic products. Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted that consumers are increasingly looking for products that feel genuine. "People are looking more and more for products that feel authentic and simple," he said.

Baruch Labunski, founder of Rank Secure, echoed this sentiment, stating that the emotional connection to real sugar drives younger consumers to prefer cane sugar over HFCS.

Despite the nostalgic appeal, health experts have mixed opinions on whether cane sugar is significantly better for consumers than HFCS. Bryan Quoc Le, founder of Mendocino Food Consulting, explained that both sugars metabolize similarly in the body. "The body actually cannot use fructose very effectively, and that’s true for high fructose corn syrup," he said.

The introduction of the cane sugar version is currently limited to select U.S. markets, with Coca-Cola offering a new 12-ounce glass bottle. However, supply issues may arise, as sugar cane is primarily grown in a few states with warm climates. Le pointed out that corn, the source of HFCS, can be produced in many regions, making it more accessible.

As for Canadian consumers, they will continue to see the HFCS version of Coca-Cola on store shelves, along with the more expensive Mexican Coke made with cane sugar. A report from the Conference Board of Canada indicates that low-calorie non-alcoholic beverages accounted for nearly 60 percent of beverage purchases in Canada in 2021, suggesting a preference for diet drinks among Canadians.

In summary, while Coca-Cola is embracing cane sugar in the U.S., Canadian consumers should not expect similar options anytime soon. The ongoing demand for cane sugar products may also lead to increased prices due to limited supply.