President Trump’s announcement last week about switching Coca-Cola from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar has been seen as an effort to assert power and leverage in the food industry. However, nutritionists say it ignores the bigger issue of ultra-processed foods contributing to chronic diseases.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims that reducing high-fructose corn syrup could help combat obesity, but experts argue that alternatives like cane sugar also lead to weight gain. Marion Nestle, a professor at New York University, said substituting one ingredient won’t make the food healthy unless it changes the dietary intake of consumers.
Coca-Cola’s new offering made with cane sugar will appear on shelves this fall, but critics say it’s a “cosmetic change” that doesn’t address the root problem. The company has already offered cane-sugar Coke in Mexico and during limited runs for Passover.
Kennedy welcomed the announcement, saying Americans deserve access to natural foods enjoyed by other countries. However, experts argue that replacing one ingredient won’t change the fact that ultra-processed foods are still a major contributor to chronic conditions.
Scientific reviews show that ultra-processed foods contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Reducing sodium content, limiting ultra-processed foods, and making fresh produce more affordable are more effective interventions, according to Nestle.
The health secretary’s efforts aim to exert broader influence over the food industry and government programs like Head Start. However, critics warn that Trump’s push could cost thousands of U.S. jobs in the corn industry.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/maha-coke-nutrition-health-sugar