US President Donald Trump announced this week that Coca-Cola has agreed to use “REAL” cane sugar in its US products instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, the company hasn’t confirmed the swap. Experts weigh in on the potential health benefits and drawbacks of switching from HFCS to cane sugar.
While some experts see no significant difference between HFCS and cane sugar, others point out that consumption of HFCS has been linked to weight gain, obesity, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Health experts, including Eva Greenthal and Dr. Walter C. Willett, suggest that the US government should focus on reducing sugar intake rather than switching sweeteners. They recommend warning labels, limiting soda sales in schools, taxing sugary drinks, and supporting health and nutrition programs.
Cane sugar, produced from sugarcane, contains sucrose made of glucose and fructose in equal measure. High-fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, is made from processed corn starch with varying amounts of fructose added. Some studies suggest that consuming HFCS can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where muscle, fat, and liver cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
Critics, including the Corn Refiners Association, argue that replacing HFCS with cane sugar would result in job losses and increased foreign imports without any nutritional benefits. They claim President Trump’s stance supports American manufacturing jobs and farmers over health regulations.
In contrast, natural sugar is considered slightly better than high-fructose corn syrup by some experts. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily sugar intake to 25 grams, or about 6 teaspoons, per day.
Ultimately, the key to a healthy diet lies in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/18/health/coca-cola-cane-sugar-high-fructose-corn-syrup-wellness