By: Jerome Brookshire

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has convinced beverage giant Coca-Cola to begin using real cane sugar in its U.S. cola products—a claim that has sparked interest from industry watchers and consumers alike, according to a report on CBS News.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump wrote that he had been “speaking to Coca-Cola” regarding the idea of replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in its flagship beverage sold in the United States. According to the report on CBS News, Trump expressed confidence that his efforts had succeeded, stating, “They have agreed to do so.”

“This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” Trump posted. The  president, known for his personal affinity for Diet Coke, suggested that such a shift would benefit both the company and consumers, although he did not elaborate on the terms of the alleged agreement or any specific timelines.

When contacted by CBS News, Coca-Cola offered a response that acknowledged Trump’s comments while remaining noncommittal about any confirmed product changes. “We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon,” the company stated.

Coca-Cola’s flagship beverage in the United States has traditionally been sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a practice confirmed on the company’s own website. In contrast, Coca-Cola produced in other countries—most notably in Mexico—is commonly made with cane sugar and sold in distinctive glass bottles. That variant has long been popular among American consumers seeking an alternative to the corn syrup formula, often referred to as “Mexican Coke” in the U.S. market.

The prospect of Coca-Cola revising its U.S. formula could mark a significant shift in the American beverage industry. However, as the CBS News report pointed out, Coca-Cola has not publicly confirmed any specific change to its standard production practices in the domestic market. The company’s statement left open questions about whether Trump’s announcement signals a new product launch, a limited-edition offering, or a broader reformulation of its core product.

Market reaction to the news was muted. Coca-Cola’s stock slipped modestly in trading on Wednesday, closing down 9 cents, or 0.13%, at $69.27 per share. Analysts told CBS News that the slight dip did not appear directly related to Trump’s social media post but reflected broader market dynamics.

Trump’s involvement with corporate decisions, particularly through public declarations on social media, has been a hallmark of his political persona during his presidency. While it remains unclear what role—if any—Trump played in influencing Coca-Cola’s product strategy, his assertion adds a new chapter to his long-running interest in consumer brands and their policies.

Industry experts interviewed by CBS News highlighted that the move to cane sugar could appeal to segments of the American market increasingly attentive to ingredients and health considerations. Products made with cane sugar have often been marketed as premium or nostalgic alternatives to corn syrup-based sodas. Nevertheless, the economics of large-scale production and existing supplier contracts make a sweeping formula change for a brand as dominant as Coca-Cola a complex undertaking.

Despite the uncertainties, Trump’s statement has injected a fresh wave of attention into Coca-Cola’s brand narrative, particularly among consumers who have long expressed preferences for the taste of cane sugar-sweetened sodas. Whether this will translate into tangible product shifts remains to be seen, but the CBS News report confirmed that the company’s pledge to share “more details on new innovative offerings” suggests an announcement may be forthcoming.