Coca-Cola plans cane sugar option as consumers shift to zero-sugar drinks

admin 2025年8月3日

Business & Economy, Business & Economy - Expert

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

aspartame /uh-SPAHR-teym/

[noun] – an artificial sweetener that is used to make food and drinks taste sweet without using sugar
The new chewing gum uses aspartame instead of sugar to reduce calories.

stevia /STEE-vee-uh/

[noun] – a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the stevia plant and is used to make food and drinks sweet without sugar
The new yogurt brand adds stevia to keep the product healthy and sweet.

intake /IN-teyk/

[noun] – the amount of something (such as food, drink, or air) that is taken into the body
Doctors advise limiting the intake of salt to avoid high blood pressure.

pose /pohz/

[verb] – to present or create a danger, problem, or difficulty
Smoking poses health risks, especially for young people.

press conference /PRES KAAN-fr-uhns/

[noun] – an official meeting where someone speaks to journalists to give information or answer questions
The mayor held a press conference to explain the new traffic rules.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

On July 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola agreed to use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in its regular soda products in the United States. However, Coca-Cola did not confirm this change and only stated that new product details would be shared soon. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has gained more customers worldwide because it uses aspartame and stevia instead of regular sugar. In the first quarter of this year, global sales of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar rose by 14%, while the company’s total product sales increased by only 2%. PepsiCo stated that in the second quarter of the year, low- and no-sugar drinks made up 60% of its beverage sales in key markets. Market experts believe this shift reflects a broader consumer demand for healthier options.

Industry analysts said a complete move away from high-fructose corn syrup is unlikely due to logistical difficulties and limited sugar supply in the U.S. Coca-Cola is expected to introduce a cane sugar version alongside its regular products, similar to Pepsi’s strategy since 2009. Coca-Cola has also imported Mexican Coke, which contains cane sugar, since 2005 and markets it as a premium product. The Corn Refiners Association warned that switching to cane sugar could threaten thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Nutritionists recommend reducing added sugar in all forms because it provides calories without nutritional value. The 2020 U.S. dietary guidelines suggest limiting sugar intake, especially for children under the age of two. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy emphasized that sugar poses serious health risks, calling it a “poison” during a press conference in April 2025.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever tried a drink that was advertised as low-sugar or no-sugar? If yes, what did you think about the taste? Did you like it? If not, would you like to try one? Why or why not?
Have you ever seen a special version of a product in your country, like a “premium” drink or snack? If yes, what was it? How was it different from the regular version? If not, do you think companies should make special versions of regular products? Why or why not?
Do you agree that it is difficult for companies to completely stop using high-fructose corn syrup?
Why do you think more people are buying drinks with less sugar today? What could be the reasons?
What should companies do if customers want healthier drinks, but making these drinks is more expensive or difficult?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

soda
customer
no-sugar
market
limited