President Donald Trump has taken credit for a bold move that’s already making waves in the food industry: Coca-Cola’s decision to bring real cane sugar back to its flagship American soft drink. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump claimed the beverage giant had agreed to the change after direct conversations with him, hailing it as a step toward better, more natural food standards in the U.S.

“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. “This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better.”

Currently, Coca-Cola products sold in the U.S. rely on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as their primary sweetener. This version, often called “American Coke,” has long faced criticism from health-conscious consumers who prefer the taste and perceived benefits of cane sugar. In contrast, “Mexican Coke” — made with real cane sugar — is a cult favorite among soda purists and is widely imported by specialty retailers.

Trump’s announcement comes amid a broader push under his administration to overhaul the American food landscape. Led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the administration has pressured major food corporations to eliminate artificial dyes, questionable preservatives, and other additives that are banned in many countries but remain prevalent in the U.S.

Earlier this year, food giants like Nestlé, J.M. Smucker Co., and Kraft Heinz pledged to phase out artificial dyes and synthetic ingredients from their popular products. That move followed Trump’s call for cleaner, more natural food production as part of what he described as a “consumer health renaissance.”

Coca-Cola’s new pledge aligns with that same momentum, signaling a shift among top brands toward more transparent labeling and simplified ingredients — a trend Trump is now openly championing. While Coca-Cola has yet to confirm the details of the transition, Trump’s announcement suggests the rollout of cane sugar Coke could begin soon.

Internationally, Coca-Cola products in markets like Mexico and the U.K. have continued to use cane sugar for decades, which many consumers claim results in a smoother, more authentic taste. The reintroduction of this version in the U.S. could represent not only a flavor win for fans, but a potential market disruptor in the ultra-competitive beverage space.

The move also fits neatly into the broader Trump agenda of challenging globalist trade advantages. By pushing for domestically sourced ingredients and higher-quality standards, Trump has argued that American consumers should not be shortchanged compared to overseas buyers.

The White House marked the announcement with praise, celebrating Coca-Cola’s decision alongside other companies that have committed to ingredient reform. According to administration officials, more than two dozen major food brands have agreed to retool their recipes, shifting away from artificial dyes, titanium dioxide, and HFCS.

One such example came just last month, when Mars Inc. revealed it had removed titanium dioxide — a whitening agent banned in Europe — from its Skittles candy lineup in the U.S. Trump’s administration has framed these moves as victories for public health, transparency, and food sovereignty.

Trump’s Truth Social post didn’t include a rollout timeline, but hinted that consumers will be able to “taste the difference” soon. If implemented across Coca-Cola’s domestic product lines, the change could become one of the most visible examples of his administration’s regulatory influence over America’s food system.

While critics argue the focus on soda reform is a distraction, Trump allies say it’s a small but powerful symbol of the former president’s commitment to putting Americans — and their health — first. Whether this marks a wider trend or just a PR win remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Coke might be about to taste a little more like it used to.