The “Cola Wars” has apparently hit the White House.
President Donald Trump said he suggested to Coca-Cola to change its formula use real cane sugar in Coke in the U.S.
However, the company is mum so far, per the Associated Press.
Other markets, such as Mexico and Australia, use real cane sugar. The U.S. production uses high-fructose corn syrup.
“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,” Trump wrote on social media. “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!”
Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said the switch would not make sense.
“Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense,” Bode said in a statement, per AP. “President Trump stands for American manufacturing jobs, American farmers, and reducing the trade deficit. Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”
The company responded by expressing its gratitude for Trump’s interest in the product.
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Co. said details on any offerings would be announced soon. The spokesperson did not elaborate on the statement.
In the end, any change would not affect Diet Coke — Trump’s drink of choice. That is sweetened with aspartame.
