Share and Follow
There’s been buzz around whether Coca-Cola will shift from using high fructose corn syrup to real cane sugar. President Trump has hinted at the possibility, and Pepsi has indicated it’s open to the change if consumers show enough interest. Coca-Cola responded by expressing gratitude for President Trump’s enthusiasm about their classic brand. However, they clarified in a July 16 announcement that they plan to introduce a separate product with cane sugar, not alter the existing recipe. For those who prefer drinks with real sugar over artificial options or high fructose corn syrup, there are currently several sodas available that contain genuine cane sugar. Here are seven such options.
Mexican Coca-Cola
Mexican Coca-Cola, which comes in glass bottles, is typically made with cane sugar—though it’s good to verify, as some varieties still use high fructose corn syrup. Both Costco and Sam’s Club versions are made with cane sugar. As one Sam’s Club customer put it, “Chilled straight from the fridge, the flavor is remarkable. We don’t indulge in Coca-Cola frequently, but when we do, this Mexican version tops our list. Whether it’s due to the cane sugar or the glass bottle is unclear. What I can confirm is: it tastes fantastic.”
Boylan Bottling Root Beer
Another soda featuring cane sugar is Boylan Bottling Root Beer. Despite the FDA banning true sassafras oil in 1960, Boylan has created a recipe that beautifully replicates its rich, smooth, herbal taste using cinnamon, sweet birch, vanilla, and wintergreen oil. The word “cane sugar” is prominently displayed on each bottle’s label, indicating the company’s understanding of the growing consumer demand for healthier sugar alternatives in sweet beverages.
Pepsi Made With Real Sugar
Formerly called “Pepsi Throwback,” Pepsi Made With Real Sugar is made with sugar (it looks it contains both cane and beet sugar). “This is my very favorite Pepsi product and my favorite pop of any brand! I buy it because it is made with real sugar which my doctor said is definitely better for you! Not many beverages are made with real sugar so thank you to Pepsi for continuing to have this available!!” one Walmart shopper said.
Virgil’s Handcrafted Orange Cream Soda
Virgil’s Handcrafted Orange Cream Soda is made with real cane sugar and “only the finest Spanish oranges for a complex, blended balance of sweetness and just the right amount of citrus zest,” the company says. There is also a “zero sugar” option which is sweetened with erythritol and stevia leaf extract, so watch out for that.
Jarritos Mandarin
Jarritos Mandarin soda is a bold, bright soda made with sugar. “Best orange soda on the market,” one Redditor said. “Every bottle I’ve had is like someone made the soda somewhere right in front of me with real juice. Makes them not too sweet, really incredible balance,” another raved.
Hansen’s Natural Cola
Hansen’s Original Cola is made with real cane sugar and a fan-favorite “natural” soda. “Never content with the status quo, in 2008 Hansen’s made the decision to completely remove high-fructose corn syrup from their products, and instead switched to pure cane sugar. Today, Hansen’s makes diet and regular sodas in over a dozen flavors, as well as club soda, tonic water, and ginger ale,” the company says.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Bundaberg’s iconic Ginger Beer is made with real cane sugar. “Wonderful ginger beer and works very well if you’re trying to cut back on alcohol consumption or completely not drinking. Has a wonderful strong flavor very refreshing and terrific over ice. If you do drink, it’s awesome with vodka or whiskey,” one Amazon shopper said.
