Coca-Cola made with cane sugar (often labeled as “Mexican Coke” in the U.S.) is generally not significantly healthier than Coca-Cola made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) — but there are a few subtle differences worth noting:
1. Nutritional Content
Both versions typically have:
- ~140 calories per 12 oz can
- ~39g of sugar
So calorically and sugar-wise, they are nearly identical.
2. Metabolic Differences
- Cane Sugar is sucrose: a 50/50 blend of glucose and fructose.
- HFCS (commonly HFCS-55 in sodas) is ~55% fructose and 45% glucose.
The higher fructose content in HFCS has raised concerns because:
- Fructose is processed in the liver and doesn’t trigger insulin or suppress appetite the way glucose does.
- Excessive fructose has been linked to fatty liver, insulin resistance, and obesity in high amounts.
However, the differences are small unless consumed in large volumes over time.
3. Taste and Purity
- Many people say cane sugar Coke tastes cleaner or more natural.
- Mexican Coke may also come in glass bottles, which avoids potential BPA exposure from cans.
4. Healthier?
If you’re choosing between the two:
- Neither is “healthy” due to the high sugar content.
- Cane sugar may be slightly better in terms of metabolism and chemical simplicity, but the difference is marginal unless you’re drinking a lot regularly.
Conclusion:
Coca-Cola made with cane sugar may be mildly better than HFCS Coke in terms of metabolism and additives, but both should be treated as occasional treats rather than daily beverages. The real health improvement comes from reducing overall added sugar intake — regardless of the source.
Coca-Cola is releasing a new version of their drink with cane sugar.
