MW We asked readers how they prefer their Coca-Cola. Only 2.8% chose high-fructose corn syrup over cane sugar.

By Camille Dash and Charles Passy

Coca-Cola will soon introduce a cane-sugar version in the U.S. as an alternative offering

When it comes to the preferred sweetener in their soda, Coca-Cola drinkers say that cane sugar rules.

That's according to a new MarketWatch poll on X that elicited more than 1,800 responses. The survey followed Coca-Cola's (KO) announcement on Tuesday that it will offer a cane-sugar version of its signature soft drink in the U.S. starting in the fall, similar to the kind sold in Mexico.

The current formula in the U.S. contains high-fructose corn syrup, which some studies say is harmful when consumed in large quantities. Coca-Cola will continue to offer that formula as well; in effect, the two versions of Coke will compete against each other.

When asked which sweetener they'd prefer in their Coca-Cola, 76% of respondents chose cane sugar. Just 2.8% picked high-fructose corn syrup.

Some users shared alternative sweeteners they'd prefer - like monk fruit and stevia - while others claimed to either not have a problem with high-fructose corn syrup or not have a preference. Others pointed out the alleged health benefits of swapping out high-fructose corn syrup for cane sugar.

Coca-Cola's announcement followed a post last week from President Donald Trump on Truth Social in which he shared that the soft-drink giant was planning to use cane sugar as a sweetener, a move that Trump lauded. "It's just better!" he said.

See also: Are you prepared to pay 10% more for Coca-Cola? That could be the result of a switch to cane sugar.

During an earnings call on Tuesday, Coca-Cola Chief Executive James Quincey said offering a version of Coke with cane sugar fits into the company's desire to experiment.

"It takes a long time to build a new franchise with consumers, but you've got to try things," he said.

-Camille Dash -Charles Passy

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July 24, 2025 10:37 ET (14:37 GMT)

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