Coca-Cola’s sugar change explained
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Coca-Cola’s move from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar has renewed interest in how these sweeteners differ. Both provide similar calories and sweetness, but they’re processed differently and may affect taste and consumer perception. However, the switch doesn’t suddenly make soda a health food, it’s still an ultra-processed product that delivers more than half of the daily added sugar intake recommended for adults. Understanding the differences between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup helps put this change into perspective.
Source
Walker RW, Dumke KA, Goran MI. Fructose content in popular beverages made with and without high-fructose corn syrup. Nutrition. 2014;30(7-8):928-935. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.003
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/18/health/coca-cola-cane-sugar-high-fructose-corn-syrup-wellness