When President Trump revealed that Coca-Cola would start using cane sugar in the U.S., food enthusiasts with Mexican roots expressed their doubts. Ivan Vasquez, who runs four Oaxacan-style restaurants in Southern California, is among those who worry that the American version won't match the beloved flavor of Mexican Coke.
"Coke made with cane sugar is going to get close, but you'll always miss that flavor," Vasquez said. Many fans have long praised "MexiCoke" for its unique taste compared to the corn syrup variant commonly sold in the U.S., which has dominated since the 1980s.
Since its introduction to Texas in 2005, Mexican Coke has grown in popularity across America, reaching supermarkets and bodegas in Hispanic neighborhoods. A recent Reddit thread even proclaimed, "Mexican Coke just tastes better!"
This hype has driven prices for Mexican Coke high, with a 355ml bottle selling for $3.50 at specialized shops, nearly double the price of regular American Coke. The saga of Coke's sweetener debate continues as consumers eagerly anticipate whether this cane sugar shift will live up to the iconic drink they love.
