‘It’s just better’: Trump says Coca-Cola will use real sugar, but company yet to confirm

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Coca-Cola has agreed to start using real cane sugar in its US products after discussions with him.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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. 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!"

"I have been speaking to @CocaCola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. 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!" –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/9L27oxlYUj

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 16, 2025

Coca-Cola responds, but stays vague

The company has not confirmed any change in its recipe. In a brief statement shared with Axios, Coca-Cola acknowledged Trump’s interest but did not comment on any plans to alter the ingredients.

“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 said.

What’s in Coke now and what could change

Coca-Cola currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its US version. The company made the switch from cane sugar in 1985 due to rising sugar prices and changing farm subsidies.

However, Coca-Cola still uses cane sugar in other countries like Mexico, the UK, the Middle East and Africa, and many consumers prefer the taste.

If the company brings back cane sugar in the US, it could have a wider impact on the domestic corn industry.

Trump’s long relationship with Coke

Trump’s association with Coca-Cola goes back years. He has often been seen drinking Diet Coke, and the brand has featured prominently in his public life.

Ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had posted a photo of Trump receiving a commemorative bottle of Diet Coke from Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey.

"The inventor of Diet Coke is a genius," Musk wrote at the time.

The inventor of Diet Coke is a genius https://t.co/Ze3U9ln6YS — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2025

The commemorative bottle

Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications, Margo Martin, also shared a photo of the bottle, which featured an image of the White House and the text: “The Inauguration of the President of the United States Donald J. Trump.”

A note beside it read: “Founded 126 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, The Coca-Cola Company takes great pride in producing hundreds of brands that people enjoy. Along with our 60+ independent bottling partners, the Coca-Cola system generates $58+ billion in U.S. economic activity annually and supports more than 860,000 jobs in the United States. We're proud to continue our decades-long tradition of celebrating the U.S. presidential inauguration with a commemorative [bottle].”