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The Coca-Cola Company—best known for its iconic red logo and universally recognized bottle shape—has become one of the most recognizable brands worldwide.
Behind the fizzing success is a darker saga where the switch from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup in Coke took place.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were known for high inflation, including rising sugar costs driven by US trade restrictions and endless money printing.
Federal corn subsidies were on the rise. Making high fructose corn syrup a cheaper option than sugar.
The Coca-Cola Company was facing the economic pressure of escalating sugar prices. It threatened Classic Coke’s profitability. The company saw high fructose corn syrup as a way to save on costs.
By 1984, Coca-Cola completely switched to high fructose corn syrup from real cane sugar.
This would set a precedent and change the whole beverage industry afterward.
After Coke ultimately made the switch to corn syrup, there was intense debate in the health world.
Critics and public sentiment then and now strongly linked the ingredient to obesity and other health concerns. There were boycotts and lawsuits.
The scientific community remained divided on whether high fructose corn syrup was significantly different from regular sugar in its health effects. Many believe the pro-corn syrup lobby has and is funded by Big Soda.
Coca-Cola tried to calm the public by introducing New Coke with the new formula. The public was not impressed.
Classic Coca-Cola was reintroduced with the original formula, except for the real cane sugar. The corn syrup was not going away anytime soon.
While American Coke made the switch to high fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke had other ideas. Just south of the border they maintained the traditional cane sugar recipe.
Cult classic: This would create an unexpected cult following in the United States in the years to come.
The Mexican version became highly sought after by American consumers.
Consumers did believe and continue to think it tastes more authentic and closer to the original. This has caused a surge ofdemand for Mexican Coke throughout the US.
In response to consumers’ nostalgic feeling about the original formula and the high demand for Mexican Coke—Coca-Cola has introduced “throwback” editions of their signature beverage sweetened with traditional cane sugar.
However, the company continues to use corn syrup in its American edition to save on costs.
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