For decades, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been the dominant sweetener in the American soft drink market due to its low cost and stable formulation. This has led to many consumers wondering what sodas are not made with corn syrup as they seek alternatives with different flavor profiles or for health-related reasons. Fortunately, a variety of beverages use cane sugar, stevia, or other natural fruit sweeteners.
Popular Sodas Made with Cane Sugar
While most mainstream soda products in the U.S. use HFCS, several popular brands offer special editions or international versions sweetened with real cane sugar.
Mexican Coke and Other Imports
The most well-known example is Mexican Coca-Cola, which is imported from Mexico and traditionally packaged in glass bottles. Many enthusiasts claim that the cane sugar provides a smoother, cleaner, and less syrupy taste compared to its American HFCS-sweetened counterpart. Similarly, some imported sodas from other countries also use cane sugar, as HFCS is not the default sweetener in many parts of the world.
'Real Sugar' or 'Throwback' Editions
In recent years, major beverage companies have responded to consumer demand by releasing special editions of their sodas sweetened with real sugar. For example, PepsiCo offers Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar, which uses cane and beet sugar. Likewise, Dr Pepper has a "Made with Real Sugar" version, offering a nostalgic taste that some drinkers prefer. These products are typically sold alongside their HFCS versions, so it is important to check the label.
Craft Sodas and Artisanal Brands
The world of craft sodas is a haven for those looking to avoid corn syrup, as many smaller, artisanal producers pride themselves on using high-quality, natural ingredients, including pure cane sugar.
Boylan Bottling Company
Boylan Bottling has been using pure cane sugar since its founding in 1891 and offers a wide range of flavors, including classics like Cane Cola, Root Beer, and Black Cherry. They are widely available in specialty stores and some major grocery chains.
Jones Soda Co.
Known for its quirky labels and unique flavors, Jones Soda is another craft brand that uses cane sugar exclusively. Their diverse product line includes traditional flavors like Cream Soda and Orange & Cream, as well as more unconventional offerings.
Dublin Bottling Works
This brand has a long-standing history of producing sodas with pure cane sugar and remains committed to this practice. Their website proudly states their dedication to avoiding corn syrup, offering a range of classic flavors.
Soda Alternatives and Naturally Sweetened Options
For those looking to completely move away from both corn syrup and traditional sugar, several brands offer beverages sweetened with natural, non-caloric alternatives.
- Zevia: This brand uses stevia, a plant-based sweetener, to produce a wide variety of zero-calorie, zero-sugar sodas. They are a popular choice for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Olipop: Positioned as a "healthy" soda alternative, Olipop is sweetened with fruit juice, stevia, and a prebiotic blend to support gut health.
- Sparkling Teas: Brands like Hoplark and Minna offer sparkling teas that are often unsweetened or lightly sweetened, providing a fizzy beverage without the added sugars found in many sodas.
- Kombucha: This fermented tea is naturally bubbly and comes in countless flavors, sweetened with a small amount of fruit juice or other natural sugars.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Sodas Not Made with Corn Syrup?
Choosing a soda sweetened without corn syrup is often a matter of personal preference regarding taste and ingredients. While nutritionally similar in terms of total calories, some people prefer the flavor of cane sugar.
Taste Profile
Many consumers report a cleaner, crisper, or less cloying taste from cane sugar sodas compared to their HFCS counterparts. While some taste tests show little difference, for devoted enthusiasts, the difference is noticeable. Craft soda makers emphasize that real sugar allows the natural flavors of their ingredients to shine through.
Ingredient Simplicity
For those who prefer a more straightforward ingredient list, cane sugar and stevia are often seen as more natural options than industrially produced high-fructose corn syrup.
Health Perceptions
While studies show that cane sugar and HFCS are metabolically very similar and equally contribute to overall sugar intake, the perception of HFCS being "unhealthy" drives many to seek alternatives. Both can contribute to weight gain and related health issues when consumed in excess. For those concerned about added sugar, stevia-sweetened options are the only truly low-sugar and low-calorie choice.
Comparing Sweeteners: Cane Sugar vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Stevia
| Feature | Cane Sugar (Sucrose) | High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS-55) | Stevia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | 50% glucose, 50% fructose (bonded) | 55% fructose, 45% glucose (liquid mix) | Plant-based, non-caloric compound |
| Calories | ~4 calories per gram | ~4 calories per gram | 0 calories |
| Availability in Sodas | Imported brands, craft sodas, 'Real Sugar' editions | Standard in most major US brands | Diet sodas and specialty health drinks |
| Taste Profile | Often described as cleaner or crisper | Standard, very sweet soda taste | Some brands have a slight aftertaste |
| Cost | Generally more expensive for manufacturers | Less expensive than cane sugar | Cost varies, but often higher than HFCS |
| Health Effects | Metabolically similar to HFCS; excess leads to health issues | Metabolically similar to sucrose; excess leads to health issues | Considered a healthy alternative, does not spike blood sugar |
Where to Buy and What to Look For
Finding sodas without corn syrup has become much easier with increased consumer awareness. Grocery store aisles often carry 'Real Sugar' varieties, especially during certain promotional periods. Craft sodas are available at specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods or online retailers. For imported options like Mexican Coke, Hispanic markets and larger chains often stock them. Always check the ingredient list carefully, as some products may use a blend of sweeteners.
Conclusion
For consumers seeking to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, there are more options than ever before. From imported classics like Mexican Coke and special 'Real Sugar' editions from major brands to the wide array of craft sodas from companies like Boylan and Jones, a pure cane sugar option is readily available. Furthermore, alternatives sweetened with stevia or natural fruit juices offer a path to a corn syrup-free, and often lower-sugar, bubbly beverage. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal taste preferences, nutritional goals, and ingredient awareness. By reading labels and knowing which brands prioritize natural sweeteners, you can easily find a delicious soda that aligns with your preferences.
For further reading on the nutritional science behind sweeteners, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers excellent resources, including their Nutritionsource.
What are Sodas Not Made with Corn Syrup?
Taste: Many people report that sodas made with cane sugar, not corn syrup, have a cleaner, smoother taste with less artificial sweetness.
Ingredients: Common alternatives to corn syrup include cane sugar, beet sugar, stevia leaf extract, and fruit juices.
Popular Examples: Mexican Coke and Pepsi-Cola Made with Real Sugar are well-known examples of major brand sodas sweetened without corn syrup.
Craft Sodas: Artisanal brands like Jones Soda and Boylan Bottling Company exclusively use pure cane sugar in their products.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like Zevia (sweetened with stevia) and Olipop (with fruit juice and prebiotics) provide a no-corn-syrup, and often lower-sugar, alternative.
Reading Labels: It is essential to check the ingredient list, as some "natural" sodas may still contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Availability: These sodas can be found at Hispanic markets, specialty food stores, and increasingly, in the main aisles of major grocery chains.
FAQs
Is Mexican Coca-Cola actually made with real sugar?
Yes, Mexican Coca-Cola is made with pure cane sugar and is sold in glass bottles, which many fans believe gives it a superior taste.
Do any major U.S. soda brands offer a corn syrup-free version?
Yes, some major brands like Pepsi and Dr Pepper release special editions, often labeled "Made with Real Sugar" or "Throwback," which use cane or beet sugar instead of corn syrup.
Are sodas with cane sugar healthier than those with corn syrup?
While some perceive cane sugar as healthier, nutritionists state that your body processes both cane sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup similarly. In terms of total added sugar, they are not significantly different, and excessive intake of either is linked to negative health outcomes.
Where can I find craft sodas not made with corn syrup?
Craft sodas like those from Boylan and Jones are available at specialty food stores, many large grocery stores, and online retailers.
What are some diet sodas that avoid corn syrup?
Zevia is a popular brand of diet soda that is sweetened with stevia, a plant-based, non-caloric sweetener, avoiding corn syrup entirely.
Why do soda companies use high-fructose corn syrup in the first place?
The primary reason companies switched to HFCS in the 1980s was cost. It was cheaper than cane sugar and is easy to transport and use in large-scale production.
Are there any natural alternatives to soda that are not made with corn syrup?
Yes, many options exist, including kombucha, sparkling water with natural flavors, and sparkling teas, which use natural sweeteners or are unsweetened entirely.
Is the taste difference between cane sugar and corn syrup soda noticeable?
Many people report a noticeable taste difference, with cane sugar versions often described as having a cleaner, crisper flavor. However, some blind taste tests have found minimal differences.
What should I look for on a soda label to ensure it's corn syrup-free?
Check the ingredient list for "high-fructose corn syrup." Instead, you should see ingredients like "cane sugar," "sucrose," "stevia leaf extract," or "fruit juice concentrate".
Does imported soda from countries other than Mexico use corn syrup?
In many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, cane sugar is still the standard sweetener for carbonated soft drinks, so imported sodas often do not contain HFCS.
