No, Coca-Cola With Cane Sugar Won’t Be Healthier for Kids

Coca-Cola announced it’s launching a product made with cane sugar this fall, changing its recipe up from the usual high-fructose corn syrup.

“This addition is designed to complement the company’s strong core portfolio and offer more choices across occasions and preferences,” the company shared in its second quarter results report released on July 22, 2025.

The concoction isn’t totally new as the company uses cane sugar in drinks found in other countries, including Mexico and some European nations. But bringing it to the U.S. is a first, and the news has sparked much discussion. That includes many claiming that cane sugar is healthier than high-fructose corn syrup.

Parents may now be wondering whether a cane sugar drink will be a healthier option for their kiddos. Not quite. Experts break it down.

Cane Sugar vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are both forms of sugar, but they come from different sources.

“Cane sugar is made from the sugarcane plant and is made up of two simple sugars, about half glucose and half fructose, which is often called fruit sugar since it is found in many plant foods,” explains Alicia Miller, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and mom based in Montgomery, Alabama.

As for HFCS, it begins as a syrup made from cornstarch. “It starts out mostly as glucose, and then enzymes are added in order to convert some of that glucose into fructose, creating a higher amount of fructose, hence the name,” says Miller.

Neither of the two are inherently “bad” and can be part of a normal, healthy diet, she adds.

Is Cane Sugar Healthier Than High-Fructose Corn Syrup?

While some may notice a difference in taste between the two sweeteners, one isn’t a healthier option than the other.

“There’s no current research showing that cane sugar is healthier than HFCS, especially when it comes to metabolic health,” says Miller. “Nutritionally, they’re nearly identical and have the same effect on the body.”

Alexis Law, RDN, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, agrees, adding, “They are both sugar. So, it will be the same unless for any reason there is less sugar overall in it.”

When eaten on a regular basis and in large amounts, both cane sugar and HFCS can lead to health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

So, why might people think cane sugar is a better option? Miller says much of that comes down to the perception that it’s less processed.

“For families who prefer to minimize processing in their food, that can feel like a meaningful choice,” she adds. “But ‘less processed’ doesn’t automatically mean healthier. And in this case, it changes nothing about the nutritional value of a soda like Coca-Cola.”

A can of Coca-Cola contains nearly 40 grams of sugar, no matter what sweetener is used. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids over the age of 2 consume less than 25 grams of added sugar per day. Added sugar is not recommended for kids under 2.

“So no, Coke with cane sugar isn’t a healthier option for kids,” says Miller.

But What if Your Kid Likes Soft Drinks?

Since soft drinks lack essential nutrients, the key is moderation. “It’s fine to have a sugary beverage once in a while,” says Law.

But research has found that almost two-thirds of kids in the U.S. drink sugary drinks on a daily basis.

“If a child is drinking more than one sugar-sweetened beverage a day, I recommend gradually scaling back,” says Miller. “Start by reducing to one per day, then continue cutting back as you increase the intake of more health-promoting drinks like water or milk.”

That doesn’t mean cutting out soft drinks from their diet completely. “When there is too much restriction, sometimes kids will end up going way over on foods they are restricted from when they have the opportunity,” explains Law.

Instead, teach kids to have a healthy relationship with what they consume. Experts recommend not labeling food as “good” or “bad,” being mindful of how you talk about food and your body in front of them, and setting a good example by eating healthy. And allow them to engage in an occasional treat.

“The goal isn’t perfection,” says Miller. “It’s finding balance that supports their growth and long-term health.”