• Trump announces Coca-Cola will switch to cane sugar in U.S. products.
• The change is backed by health advocates but may increase beverage prices.
• Experts reveal minimal health benefits of cane sugar over corn syrup.
• The shift could negatively impact U.S. corn farmers and food manufacturing jobs.
• Coca-Cola has yet to confirm the ingredient change officially.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch from using high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages, claiming it will be a "very good move by them" and stating, "It's just better!" This announcement aligns with the health agenda led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long criticized HFCS for contributing to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes, according to Channel News Asia, The Jakarta Post, and Reuters.

Coca-Cola currently relies on HFCS, which became prevalent in the U.S. due to lower production costs and government support for corn growers. The conclusive switch to cane sugar, often seen in other countries' Coca-Cola products, raises concerns about potential price increases in the U.S. market. Experts predict this transition could lead to significant production adjustments and economic repercussions for U.S. farmers, particularly in the corn sector, according to Newsweek and ABC News.

While Trump and Kennedy Jr. suggest that cane sugar is a healthier option, several nutrition experts argue that both cane sugar and HFCS impact health similarly when consumed in excess. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano noted to ABC News that high sugar intake can lead to significant health problems regardless of the source. Research indicates that the metabolic effects of both sweeteners are largely alike, with some experts suggesting that HFCS may be linked to higher inflammation levels compared to cane sugar, as highlighted by CBS News and AA.

The economic implications of switching to cane sugar versus continuing HFCS use are significant. Analysts warn that the change could cost the beverage industry substantially, potentially exceeding $1 billion due to higher sugar prices and the need to adjust supply chains. The Corn Refiners Association expressed concerns, stating that this could lead to substantial job losses and economic downturns in rural communities reliant on corn production, as detailed by Newsweek and Newsweek.

Coca-Cola has yet to provide an official confirmation of the proposed change, indicating that more details will follow soon. Although Trump's announcement has sparked enthusiasm from health advocates, many industry experts remain skeptical about the feasibility and benefits of this switch, commenting that it reflects broader agricultural and health policy challenges in the U.S. market, according to The Jakarta Post and Reuters.