Trump wants cane sugar in Coke, but is it healthier than corn syrup? Experts weigh in.

President Trump made headlines recently when he announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to switch from using high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar in its U.S. cola. The President took to social media to share his excitement, calling the cane sugar version “just better!” But amidst the debate over which sweetener is superior, the question remains: is one actually better for your health?

According to experts, while there are some slight differences between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, consuming too much of either can have negative health impacts. Registered dietitian Avery Zenker explained that cane sugar is nearly 100% sucrose, consisting of approximately 50% glucose and 50% fructose, making it similar to table sugar. On the other hand, high-fructose corn syrup contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose. Fructose is metabolized differently in the body than other sugars like glucose, leading to concerns among experts about the higher fructose content in corn syrup.

Hope Barkoukis, a registered dietitian and chair of the department of nutrition at Case Western Reserve University, highlighted the potential health risks associated with high fructose intake, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, increased appetite, and liver disease. Additionally, Adrianne Kartholl, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition supervisor at Parkview Health, pointed out that corn syrup is commonly added to processed foods for sweetness due to its affordability and stability, while cane sugar involves less processing as it is derived from the sugar cane plant.

Despite the differences in processing, both cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup have a similarly high glycemic index, raise blood sugar levels similarly, and contain the same amount of calories. Research has shown that their metabolic and cardiovascular impacts are also similar, although a recent meta-analysis found that high-fructose corn syrup was associated with higher levels of inflammation compared to sucrose.

In terms of dental health, Dr. Sandip Sachar, a New York-based dentist, noted that neither cane sugar nor corn syrup is significantly better for preventing dental cavities. Both sweeteners provide empty calories, lacking essential nutrients like protein and healthy fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men, but the average American consumes more than double the recommended amount of sugar daily.

In conclusion, moderation is key when it comes to consuming added sugars, whether it’s cane sugar or corn syrup. Both should be consumed in appropriate portion sizes and ideally not every day. It’s essential to be mindful of your sugar intake and prioritize a balanced diet to support overall health and well-being.