Coca-Cola's Cane Sugar Shift in the U.S. Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Fans

Many from Mexican heritage fear the change won't capture the authentic flavor they cherish.

Count Ivan Vasquez among the voices of concern regarding President Trump's recent announcement about Coca-Cola's new production plans. The president revealed that Coca-Cola will start making its flagship drink with cane sugar in the United States—much like the version available in Mexico—which has some foodies of Mexican heritage less than enthusiastic. “While it might be close, I doubt it can replicate the true flavor of the Mexican Coke we know,” he shared, reflecting on his experience selling the imported beverage at his Oaxacan-style restaurants in Southern California.

The recipe for Coca-Cola has varied globally; while most of the world enjoys a cane sugar version, American consumers are more familiar with a sweeter concoction primarily made with corn syrup—a cheaper substitute adopted in the 1980s. The move to import Mexican Coke to Texas initiated back in 2005, gradually allowing it to thrive in neighborhoods with vibrant Hispanic communities across the nation. As a result, “MexiCoke,” as it's often called, developed a devoted fanbase that celebrates its unique flavor, relegating regular Coke to a less favored status.

This sentiment is palpable in places like San Francisco's exclusive Nob Hill, where a 355ml glass bottle of Mexican Coke can cost $3.50—a full two dollars more than a standard can of American Coke. Such willing customers demonstrate their appreciation for the distinct taste, which sparked conversations online, like a Reddit thread headlined, “Mexican Coke just tastes better.”

For many, the joy lies not just in the drink itself but in the memories and cultural experiences it evokes, leaving them apprehensive about the potential changes in taste that may come with the shift towards cane sugar in the U.S. The looming question is whether Coca-Cola can truly deliver the cherished unique flavor that Mexican consumers have long embraced.