What Soft Drink Does Not Have High-Fructose Corn Syrup?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, Americans consume an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, much of it from soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, a growing number of consumers are seeking a soft drink that does not have high-fructose corn syrup, turning to alternatives made with real cane sugar, natural fruit juice, or other sweeteners.

Quick Summary

This guide lists numerous soft drink brands that avoid high-fructose corn syrup, detailing alternatives sweetened with cane sugar, fruit juice, or artificial sweeteners. It explains why some manufacturers use different sugar sources and compares the nutritional aspects of these options. Key brands like Virgil's, Jones Soda, and international colas are featured, alongside newer options and homemade recipes.

Key Points

Cane Sugar Alternatives: Many sodas, including Mexican Coke and craft brands like Virgil's, use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
Diet and Zero-Sugar Options: Diet sodas and brands like Zevia use artificial or natural zero-calorie sweeteners, making them HFCS-free.
Natural Sweeteners: Emerging brands like Olipop and Poppi use prebiotic fibers and fruit juice to sweeten their sodas naturally and with lower sugar content.
Spindrift for Simplicity: Spindrift provides a minimalist option using just carbonated water and real fruit, with no added sweeteners.
HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: Nutritionally, experts note that both HFCS and cane sugar are added sugars; while subtle differences exist, consuming either in excess is not recommended.
Reading Labels is Key: Always check ingredient labels to confirm the sweetener, especially as products and formulations can vary by market.
Overall Reduction is Best: Regardless of the sweetener type, the most significant health benefit comes from reducing your total intake of added sugars.

Exploring Alternatives to HFCS in Soft Drinks

For decades, high-fructose corn syrup has been the sweetener of choice for many beverage manufacturers in the United States due to its low cost and stable liquid form. However, increased consumer demand for products with more natural ingredients has led to a rise in alternative soft drinks. For those asking, "What soft drink does not have high-fructose corn syrup?", the answer involves looking beyond standard supermarket offerings.

Soft Drinks Sweetened with Cane Sugar

Many consumers prefer the taste of sodas made with real cane sugar (sucrose) and actively seek them out. Several brands cater to this market, providing a different flavor profile and avoiding HFCS entirely.

Mexican Coke: Imported Coca-Cola products from Mexico are famously sweetened with cane sugar rather than HFCS, a key reason for their popularity among some U.S. consumers.
Kosher for Passover Coke: During Passover, observant Jewish people avoid corn products, so Coca-Cola traditionally releases a version of its soda sweetened with cane sugar.
Craft Soda Brands: Many smaller, craft soda companies pride themselves on using real sugar. Brands like Virgil's, Jones Soda, Fitz's Root Beer, and Boylan Bottleworks often use cane sugar and market this as a premium feature.
"Throwback" Versions: Occasionally, larger soda manufacturers release special "throwback" or "vintage" versions of their sodas, replicating original recipes that used cane sugar instead of HFCS.

Diet and Zero-Sugar Sodas

For those eliminating sugar entirely, diet and zero-sugar soft drinks are an obvious choice. These use artificial or natural zero-calorie sweeteners and, by definition, do not contain HFCS.

Artificial Sweeteners: Brands like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Diet Pepsi contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium instead of fructose.
Natural Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: Brands like Zevia use stevia for sweetness, providing a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative with a wide range of flavors.
Humm Probiotic Soda: This brand uses allulose, a natural sugar alternative, to create a zero-sugar soda with the added benefit of probiotics.

Innovative and Natural Alternatives

The market for natural, functional beverages is booming, offering a plethora of options sweetened with ingredients other than high-fructose corn syrup.

Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas: Brands like Olipop, Poppi, and Wildwonder use prebiotic fibers, fruit juices, and natural flavorings to deliver a functional soda with lower sugar and calories than traditional sodas.
Sparkling Water with Real Fruit: Brands like Spindrift are a simple alternative, using just carbonated water and real squeezed fruit for flavor, with no added sugars or sweeteners.
Ginger Beer: Some ginger beers, like Reed's, are often brewed with cane sugar or other natural ingredients and are naturally HFCS-free.

HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: A Comparison

While consumers often view HFCS-free soft drinks as a healthier option, nutritional experts point out that the body processes added sugars from both cane sugar (sucrose) and HFCS in similar ways. The key difference often boils down to taste and ingredient sourcing, not overall health impact, as both should be consumed in moderation.


Feature	High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Cane Sugar (Sucrose)	Natural Sweetener Brands	Diet/Zero-Sugar Sodas
Sourcing	Derived from corn starch, processed in the US	Made from sugar cane or beets	Plant-based (stevia, monk fruit) or fermented (allulose)	Artificial or natural sweeteners
Composition	Typically 55% fructose, 42% glucose in soda	50% fructose, 50% glucose	Varies by brand (e.g., stevia, allulose, fruit)	No sugar, zero calories
Cost	Generally cheaper due to corn subsidies	More expensive than HFCS due to tariffs	Varies, can be more expensive	Can be cheaper or more expensive
Health Impact	Both HFCS and cane sugar contribute to added sugar intake and associated risks when consumed in excess	Same as HFCS regarding added sugar intake; some argue fructose metabolism differences	Generally lower in sugar; still require moderation	Zero calories, but some link artificial sweeteners to other potential health risks

Making Informed Choices

When seeking a soft drink without high-fructose corn syrup, your options range from imported colas to craft sodas and modern functional beverages. Always reading the ingredient label is the most reliable way to identify the sweetener used. For those monitoring added sugar intake, considering the overall sugar content, regardless of its source, is the most crucial step.

While switching to a soda made with cane sugar might satisfy taste preferences, it does not provide a nutritional “free pass.” The most significant health benefits come from reducing overall added sugar consumption, whether from HFCS, cane sugar, or other sources. Exploring sparkling waters with real fruit, like those from Spindrift, or homemade soda alternatives can offer a refreshing taste without the high sugar load.

Ultimately, the quest for a soft drink free of high-fructose corn syrup opens up a broader conversation about health, sourcing, and consumer choices. By understanding the available alternatives and the nutritional realities, you can find a satisfying beverage that aligns with your preferences.

For a deeper dive into the science behind sugar, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers detailed information on sweeteners.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Fizz for You

Finding a soft drink without high-fructose corn syrup is entirely possible thanks to an expanding market of cane sugar sodas, natural alternatives, and zero-calorie options. Brands like Mexican Coke, Virgil's, Olipop, and Spindrift offer distinct choices for the ingredient-conscious consumer. While the debate over whether cane sugar is "healthier" than HFCS continues, the consensus among experts is that reducing overall added sugar intake is the most impactful step for health. Whether you choose a classic cane sugar soda or a modern, naturally sweetened version, informed choices can lead to satisfying and flavorful beverage experiences without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, imported Coca-Cola products from Mexico are famously made with cane sugar, unlike most Coca-Cola products distributed within the United States, which use high-fructose corn syrup.

Yes, diet sodas and zero-sugar soft drinks, such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero, do not contain high-fructose corn syrup. They use non-caloric artificial or natural sweeteners instead.

From a nutritional standpoint, the health difference between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup is debated but considered minor by many experts. Both are added sugars and should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake contributes to similar health risks.

Companies largely switched to high-fructose corn syrup because it was cheaper to produce, particularly due to government subsidies for corn and tariffs on imported cane sugar.

Many consumers report a difference in taste between sodas sweetened with cane sugar versus HFCS. Cane sugar is often perceived as having a cleaner taste, while HFCS can be perceived as sweeter.

Several brands use alternative sweeteners. Zevia uses stevia, while functional soda brands like Olipop and Poppi use a combination of natural sweeteners, fiber, and fruit juice.

Yes. Beyond imported versions like Mexican Coke, some brands occasionally release 'throwback' limited-edition sodas with cane sugar. Also, look for Kosher for Passover versions, as they are typically made with cane sugar.