Yes, they're messing with a classic ... but that could be a good thing!
Coca-Cola Is Making a Big Change—Here’s Why It Might Taste Different the Next Time You Try It
Published on Jul. 23, 2025
We all have our go-to soda. Maybe you’re team Pepsi or a loyal Sprite fan, but for millions, it’s all about Coca-Cola. Often just called “Coke,” this iconic drink has been around for more than 130 years, earning its place as a fizzy favorite in the U.S. and around the globe.
But if you’re a devoted Coca-Cola drinker, you might want to pay attention because the famous brand is making some big moves. What kind of changes are on the horizon? And should you be nervous? After all, change can be good … but not always when someone starts messing with one of your favorites.
Keep reading to find out exactly how Coca-Cola is shaking things up this year and what it means for your favorite soda.
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What big change is Coca-Cola making?
Coca-Cola is launching a new soda made with cane sugar, an ingredient that hasn’t been in the company’s soda products since the early 1980s. In its second-quarter report, published on July 22, the company announced that this new addition is “designed to complement the company’s strong core portfolio and offer more choices across occasions and preferences.” That’s corporate-speak for: They’re trying something new because that’s what companies do!
“This is something we’ve been thinking about,” said Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey in an interview with CNBC. “We think it’ll be a great option for consumers, as we give people more choice and more ways to enjoy the Coca-Cola brand.”
The news follows a July 16 statement posted on X by President Donald Trump, a big fan of Diet Coke, in which he mentioned a conversation with the brand about reaching an agreement to use cane sugar in U.S. Coca-Cola products. Some proponents believe this Coke will be healthier, since it won’t use the ultra-processed high-fructose corn syrup (which has been linked to obesity and other health problems), as well as taste better.
What will it taste like?
It will likely taste a lot like Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar and has long been touted as being “better” than U.S. Coke. What does that mean, exactly? According to some fans, it means a cleaner and less chemical taste—or, in essence, a more sugary sugar.
As one Redditor said, “Not only does Mexican Coke taste better, but Coke tastes better in a lot of other countries because they still use cane sugar.” Some might not notice the difference, but according to the user, “corn syrup leaves a slightly more sticky feel in your mouth compared to cane sugar,” while cane sugar has a “slightly more crisp taste.”
Does this mean Coke will actually be healthy now?
Not exactly. Whether it’s cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, it’s still sugar, and moderation is key. According to health studies, both can contribute to weight gain, fatty liver disease and metabolic issues.
The main difference between the two added sugars is that high-fructose corn syrup has a bit more fructose than cane sugar—about 55% compared to 50%. But in the end, both can have similar negative effects on your health.
So when Coca-Cola rolls out its new soda, don’t drink it in excess. No matter the sweetener, it’s always a good idea to keep added sugars in check.
Will you still be able to get the current versions of Coke and Diet Coke?
Yes! Don’t worry—your favorite drinks aren’t going anywhere. “This is really an ‘and’ strategy and not an ‘or’ strategy,” said Quincey, according to the Wall Street Journal. “We are going to continue to use a lot of the corn syrup that we do now.”
That means that classic options like Coca-Cola Original, Coke Zero Sugar and Diet Coke will all still be available after the launch. And while Coca-Cola hasn’t revealed whether the new version will come with a fresh name, label or some other designation, it’s safe to assume the brand will add something to help it stand out from the classic formula. Soda fans will just have to wait and see what that looks like.
When will the drinks launch?
The new drink is expected to hit shelves this fall, though Coca-Cola hasn’t announced the exact release date yet.
And while it hasn’t yet been announced what this type of Coke will sell for, experts say it will likely be more expensive than what you’re used to now. Like it or not, that high-fructose corn syrup is very cost-effective, as well as produced within the U.S., while the majority of cane sugar will likely need to be imported.
Do any other Coca-Cola products in the U.S. contain cane sugar?
Yes. Coca-Cola products like Simply Lemonade, Costa Coffee and Vitaminwater already use cane sugar—and consumers seem to be fans. In fact, Simply Lemonade is one of the top refrigerated lemonade brands in the U.S., and Costa Coffee ranks as the second-largest coffeehouse chain in the world. Only time will tell if the cane-sugar Coke is just as popular.
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Sources:
- The Coca-Cola Company: “Coca-Cola Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results and Updates Full Year Guidance”
- The Wall Street Journal: “Coke with Cane Sugar Is Coming. But Corn Syrup Isn’t Going Away.”
- Reddit: “Does Mexican Coke Really Taste Better Than Local Coca-Cola?”
- National Library of Medicine: “Sucrose, High-Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fructose, Their Metabolism and Potential Health Effects: What Do We Really Know?”
- X: @WhiteHouse
- NBC News: “Coca-Cola CEO Reveals How U.S. Cane Sugar Coke Happened”
