Washington, July 17 (H.S.): Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its US production, as announced by President Donald Trump on social media. Currently, the company uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which has faced criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement.

Trump expressed gratitude to Coca-Cola for this decision, citing it as a positive move, while not explaining his motivation, particularly since it doesn't affect his favored beverage, Diet Coke. Coca-Cola has not confirmed the shift in ingredients but acknowledged Trump's enthusiasm for the brand. HFCS became popular in the 1970s due to government subsidies and tariffs on cane sugar, and a change in ingredients may spark backlash in the Corn Belt, a region supportive of Trump. HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) differ structurally, with HFCS containing free fructose and glucose, while sucrose has them chemically bonded.

However, research shows no significant health differences between the two. Both sweeteners have similar effects on weight gain and heart health, although HFCS may increase inflammation markers. Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar, is often sold at a premium in the US for its perceived natural flavor. Trump's Diet Coke contains aspartame, deemed a possible carcinogen by the IARC.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar