What is Cane Sugar Coke or Mexican Coke That Coca-Cola Reportedly Uses?

Last Updated:July 31, 2025, 11:06 IST

The US President Donald Trump has claimed that Coca-Cola has committed to using real cane sugar in its American-sold beverages.

The United States President Donald Trump recently announced that soft drink company Coca-Cola had committed to replacing high-fructose corn syrup with “real” cane sugar in its US-sold beverages. Although Coca-Cola has not officially confirmed the decision, the company acknowledged conversations and promised more information shortly.

President Trump’s announcement about Coca-Cola’s potential switch to cane sugar has sparked curiosity has led to a resurgence of interest in “cane sugar Coke” and its cult beverage, “Mexican Coke,” which are both popular among soda lovers and health-conscious consumers due to their crispier, cleaner flavour.

Despite the emerging curiosity and Coca-Cola’s acknowledgement, health experts warn that cane sugar might not be much healthier than high-fructose corn syrup.

What is cane sugar Coke or Mexican Coke?

A Coca-Cola variation sweetened with real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is referred to as “Cane sugar Coke,” or “Mexican Coke” in the US. It is marketed as “Mexican Coke” because it is made in Mexico and exported to other nations, particularly the US, where HFCS is more often found in soft beverages.

Cane sugar Coke and Mexican Coke are similar in terms of ingredients: the primary differences are the production location, packaging, and sentimental value associated with the foreign glass container. Despite having the same components as cane sugar Coke, Mexican Coke is more appealing because of its superior packaging and perceived authenticity, which preserves its flavour and carbonation.

It is easily identifiable by its unique 355 ml curved glass bottles. Mexican Coke is the most popular type of cane sugar Coke in the US market.

Is Cane Sugar Coke Healthier than ordinary Coke?

Not significantly. Both types are sugary sodas that contain almost the same amount of sugar and calories. Health experts warn that while many people consider cane sugar Coke to be a more “natural” option, it might not provide any significant health benefits over standard Coke prepared with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Both HFCS and cane sugar (sucrose) are added sugars that provide almost the same number of calories and, when taken in excess, cause weight gain, diabetes, insulin resistance, and heart disease.

Mexican Coke is made with carbonated water, sugar, phosphoric acid, caramel colour, natural flavours, and caffeine, while American Coke contains high fructose corn syrup, carbonated water, phosphoric acid, caramel colour, natural flavours, and caffeine.

Experts claim that both sweeteners include “empty calories,” or calories with little or no nutritional value, and that they quickly raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, replacing one sugar with another does not make a sweet soda much healthier, even though cane sugar may taste cleaner.

President Donald Trump recently announced that Coca-Cola has committed to using “real” cane sugar in place of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its US products. Trump applauded business leaders and linked the shift to his administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) program on Truth Social.

The soft-drink giant acknowledged discussions and promised more information shortly, but it has not officially confirmed the switch.

About the Author

Nishad Thaivalappil

Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More

Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More

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