Growing demand for "Mexican Coke": Coca-Cola made in Mexico with cane sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup.

Question

A nasty trade war and questionable scientific assumptions make it difficult to discern what is, and what isn't, the real thing.

a) Does Coca-Cola made in Mexico use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup?

b) Is there a discernible taste difference between Coke made with sugar and Coke made with high-fructose corn syrup?

c) Did the Mexican government pass a levy on high-fructose corn syrup in order to protect its sugar industry?

Comments

Just an opinionated response, but as a waitress I often get asked if we have the mexican coca-cola instead of the tap coke. It is interesting if it is really made out of cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup and would explain why these are on growing demand.

Answer 1

a) Does Coca-Cola made in Mexico use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup?
Answer: Yes - According to Reader's Digest, "American Coke is made with high-fructose corn syrup, while Mexican Coke is made with cane sugar." The article claims that this information is taken directly from the Coke labels on each bottle. 

b) Is there a discernible taste difference between Coke made with sugar and Coke made with high-fructose corn syrup?
There is no real way to answer this question, as it is a matter of opinion. For some, the taste is discernable. For others, it is not. However, it's clear that many do believe that there is a difference in taste. 

c) Did the Mexican government pass a levy on high-fructose corn syrup in order to protect its sugar industry?
Yes - "On January 1, 2002, in a transparent attempt to evade the NAFTA and WTO determinations against it, Mexico imposed a 20 percent tax on soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup. The intent and effect of this tax was to continue Mexico's antidumping order on U.S. produced high fructose corn syrup by other means." https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/grassley-introduces-tequila-tariff-bill-over-mexican-barrier-to-us-high-fructose-corn-syrup#:~:text=On%20January%201%2C%202002%2C%20in,corn%20syrup%20by%20other%20means.

Comments

It was great that you addressed every part of the claim. I think you answered each section appropriately. I like the second part in particular because it is hard to really say something subjective like taste is true or false.

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Thanks for breaking down each part of the claim and providing reliable evidence!

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I love how you answered the claim from all the questions listed

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great thorough breakdown of the claim! its very helpful to see such a detailed and meticulous response.

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great use of resources to support the claim. Your answers for each part were thorough breakdowns and gave great detail.

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Good job on answering each question pertaining to the claim. I liked how in the first answer you directly quoted from a source to back up your answer, but in B, you decided to answer in your own words. You have a great variation between directly citing and answering yourself.

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I appreciate how the claim was fully answered in an organized manner! Additionally, the source you provided is credible and directly relevant to the claim! The fact-check was detailed and helped me further understand the topic!

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Well done going through the claim part by part and going semi-in depth answering what was asked. Very well written fact-check!

Answer 2

a) According to the nutritional label from a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola, the ingredients are "Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine." (https://www.heb.com/product-detail/coca-cola-mexican-coke/862949); whereas US Coca-Cola's ingredients are "CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CARAMEL COLOR, PHOSPHORIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, CAFFEINE."  (https://us.coca-cola.com/products/coca-cola/original) 

b) This taste test reported that the flavor of Coke made with HFCS was better than Coke with sugar (https://www.seriouseats.com/coke-vs-mexican-coke) 

c) "On January 1, 2002, in a transparent attempt to evade the NAFTA and WTO determinations against it, Mexico imposed a 20 percent tax on soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup. The intent and effect of this tax was to continue Mexico’s antidumping order on U.S. produced high fructose corn syrup by other means." (https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/grassley-introduces-tequila-tariff-bill-over-mexican-barrier-to-us-high-fructose-corn-syrup#:~:text=On%20January%201%2C%202002%2C%20in,corn%20syrup%20by%20other%20means.) 

Comments

I agree with points A and C since those are very fact-based responses; however, the taste difference in point B is very opinionated and could be different based off of each person's personal preference.

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How would you rate the claim? True? False? Exaggerated?

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Nice, concise response. Straight to the point!

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Using the nutrition label was a great way to confirm the difference in ingredients! Unfortunately, the link to the study you reference on the flavor preference of the Coke is broken, is there another source for this study/survey?

Answer 3

I couldn't find any evidence that supports there is a 'growing demand' for Mexicoke to be more prominent in the States.  However, from the KSBY article, "Mexican Coke vs. American Coke", the author noted that "Some people believe Mexican Coke tastes fresher or has added carbonation compared to Coke from the States," (O'Brien 2022) but that statement alone cannot support the claim.  The article noted that the difference in taste could be attributed to the glass bottle that Mexicoke is packaged and sold in as well as the ingredient cane sugar instead of fructose corn syrup.

https://www.ksby.com/mexican-coke-vs-american-coke

Comments

That's true! I couldn't find anything that supports the growing demand part either. Thanks for providing this perspective instead of just saying the claim is true.

Answer 4

The core recipe of Mexican Coke and traditional Coke is mostly the same, including carbonated water, caramel color, caffeine, and secret natural flavor ingredients. The main difference lies in the sweetener used. While traditional Coke is made with high fructose corn syrup in the United States, Mexican Coke uses cane sugar instead. Many consumers claim that the version with real cane sugar tastes better, possibly due to its slightly less intense sweetness compared to high fructose corn syrup. Some also believe that soda sweetened with cane sugar is more natural, pure, and healthier. However, Coca-Cola representatives state that there is no perceptible taste difference between the two versions. The discrepancy in ingredients is influenced by a trade war between the US and Mexico, with Mexico preferring sugar to support its sugar industry. Despite the perception of cane sugar as healthier, chemically, both sweeteners are broken down by the body in a similar way. The bias against high fructose corn syrup is not scientifically supported, and its reputation has led many consumers to prefer Mexican Coke with cane sugar based on perception rather than actual health benefits.

https://www.mashed.com/200565/the-untold-truth-of-mexican-coke/

Answer 5

a. Yes, Mexican coke does use real cane sugar as opposed to high-fructose corn syrup according to the Smithsonian Magazine.

b. In my personal opinion, there is a taste difference between Mexican and American coke. I prefer the taste of Mexican coke and BackyardTaco.com says Mexican coke fans say it has a more "natural" flavor that its American counterpart.

c. Yes, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Mexican government does impose taxes on imported sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup and beet sugar. This is to protect their cane sugar industry but it is considered very unfair and breaks WTO rules.

Comments

Try to keep your personal opinions separate from fact checks. It's better to information from  reliable sources so that others can see the information for themselves. Also, remember to post the links to the articles where you found your information.

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Sometimes a personal opinion is valid and helpful for a fact-check, so do add it if you feel it is relevant and beneficial. In this case, you have tried both beverages and can/should comment with your personal experience. Thanks!