Core Viewpoint - The discussion around Coca-Cola's sweetener source has intensified following former President Trump's comments advocating for the use of real cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in Coca-Cola products sold in the U.S. [1][3][5] Group 1: Trump's Comments and Company Responses - Trump expressed gratitude towards Coca-Cola's management for agreeing to consider using cane sugar in their products, labeling it a positive move [1][3] - Coca-Cola acknowledged Trump's enthusiasm for their brand and indicated that they would soon share more information about innovative products in their lineup [3] - PepsiCo's CEO stated that they would cater to consumer preferences for sugar and natural ingredients if there is a clear demand [3][5] Group 2: Historical Context of Sweetener Use - The switch from cane sugar to HFCS in Coca-Cola began in 1984, driven by cost considerations and the availability of cheap corn in the U.S. [5][19] - HFCS became popular due to government subsidies for corn production, which lowered its production costs compared to cane sugar [5][19] - Consumer calls for a return to cane sugar have persisted since the initial switch, reflecting a growing awareness and concern over ingredient sourcing [5][19] Group 3: Economic Implications of Sweetener Choices - The cost of HFCS is significantly lower than that of cane sugar, with estimates suggesting that switching to cane sugar could increase product costs by 10% to 15% [19][26] - In 1985, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo anticipated substantial savings from using HFCS, with Coca-Cola estimating a savings of approximately $30 million annually [26] - The market for HFCS surged, with its usage in the U.S. expected to increase by 500,000 tons annually following the switch [26] Group 4: Consumer Sentiment and Advocacy - Consumer backlash against the use of HFCS has been notable, with some advocating for a return to cane sugar due to health concerns associated with HFCS [31] - The discussion around sweeteners has gained traction, with political figures also voicing opposition to HFCS, linking it to health issues like childhood obesity [31] - Over the past two decades, the usage of HFCS in the U.S. has been gradually declining, while the consumption of cane sugar has been on the rise [31]