Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines by claiming he convinced Coca-Cola to replace high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with cane sugar in its classic soft drink sold in the United States. The statement, shared on his social media platform Truth Social, has sparked debate—though Coca-Cola itself has stopped short of confirming the change.

In his post, Trump said he had urged Coca-Cola executives to return to what he called “REAL Cane Sugar,” a move he believes will enhance the drink’s taste and health profile. “You’ll see. It’s just better!” he wrote, thanking the company for its alleged agreement.

Coca-Cola, headquartered in Atlanta, responded diplomatically, stating: “We appreciate the President’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand,” but offered no direct confirmation. The company added that details on upcoming product innovations would be shared soon.

While Trump didn’t explain the motive behind his push, his Health Secretary and ally Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about the dangers of ultra-processed ingredients, particularly HFCS. Kennedy has criticized the widespread use of the syrup in processed foods, linking it to obesity and diabetes.

Introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s as a cost-effective alternative to cane sugar, HFCS has been a controversial ingredient in the food industry. Its low price is largely due to government subsidies for corn and tariffs on imported sugar. Although it’s commonly used in American soft drinks, international versions of Coca-Cola, such as the Mexican variant, often rely on cane sugar and are praised for their superior taste.

The scientific consensus, however, remains mixed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated it sees no significant safety difference between HFCS and other sweeteners like cane sugar or honey.

Health experts caution that while switching sweeteners may appeal to consumer preferences, it doesn’t necessarily offer measurable health improvements. With over 70 percent of American adults classified as overweight or obese, reducing total sugar consumption—regardless of the type—is seen as the more impactful step.

Whether Coca-Cola will actually reformulate its recipe in line with Trump’s claim remains unclear. For now, the company is keeping its cards close to its chest, leaving Americans to wonder if their next sip of Coke will be a little sweeter—or just more political.