Sugar Rush: Coca-Cola Ditches Corn Syrup for Cane Sugar
As the demand for "pure" and "free from" products continues to rise, companies like Coca-Cola are responding with new product offerings that cater to changing consumer preferences, while the Corn Refiners Association warns of the potential economic consequences of replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar.
Coca-Cola's decision to introduce a cane sugar-sweetened Coke variety in the US has sparked debate about the use of high-fructose corn syrup, with the Corn Refiners Association warning of job losses and increased foreign sugar imports.
The move comes after President Donald Trump expressed support for using "real sugar" in Coca-Cola's US products, citing consumer interest in "purity" and a desire to avoid corn syrup. Industry analyst Darren Seifer notes that consumers are increasingly seeking "purity" in their food and drink choices, driving demand for "free from" products and foods viewed as "pure".
Coca-Cola's decision to launch a cane sugar version of its namesake soda in the US this fall marks a departure from its current use of high-fructose corn syrup, which has been used in the company's products since the 1980s. The new product is designed to offer more choices and cater to consumer preferences, which are increasingly focused on avoiding artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed foods.
The debate over high-fructose corn syrup is linked to the administration's push to make America healthy again and criticism of ultra-processed foods, highlighting the complex issues surrounding food production, consumer choice, and economic impact.