The search for soda sweetened with real cane sugar has become a nostalgic quest for many consumers. For decades, the switch from cane sugar to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the 1980s marked a significant change in the American beverage landscape, driven primarily by cost. While the nutritional differences between the two sweeteners are debated, many drinkers perceive a cleaner, less syrupy taste from real sugar. Fortunately, numerous options—from well-known brands to niche craft sodas—still offer the classic taste of cane sugar.
Mainstream and Imported Sodas with Real Sugar
For those who prefer a familiar soda brand but want real sugar, several well-known options exist, though they may require looking beyond the typical grocery store aisle. These sodas are often imported, released seasonally, or marketed as a specialty product.
- Mexican Coke: Imported from Mexico and easily recognizable by its glass bottle, Mexican Coke is perhaps the most famous real-sugar soda variant. It has a dedicated following who claim the taste is superior to the American HFCS-sweetened version. It is widely available year-round in many parts of the U.S.
- Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar: PepsiCo has offered a real-sugar version of its flagship soda under various names, including 'Pepsi Throwback' and 'Pepsi-Cola Made with Real Sugar'. The product was rebranded to "Soda Shop" in early 2024 and is flavored with both cane and beet sugar.
- Dr Pepper Made with Real Sugar: This version is sweetened with Imperial Pure Cane Sugar and is specifically labeled as such. It is often released as a limited edition or found in specialty soda shops.
- Kosher for Passover Coke: During the Jewish holiday of Passover, Coca-Cola releases a version sweetened with cane sugar in the U.S.. These bottles are marked with a yellow cap and are highly sought after by real-sugar enthusiasts during this period.
- Recent Releases: In 2025, both Coca-Cola and Pepsi announced new U.S. releases containing cane sugar, though these are positioned as alternative products rather than replacements for their standard lines.
Craft and Specialty Real Sugar Sodas
The craft soda market is a haven for those seeking beverages with natural and often high-quality ingredients, including real sugar. These brands are typically brewed in smaller batches and offer a wide range of unique flavors.
- Boylan Bottling Co.: This company has been using pure cane sugar in its small-batch sodas since its founding in 1891. Their product line includes classic flavors like Root Beer, Cane Cola, and Black Cherry.
- Jones Soda Co.: A favorite among many, Jones Soda switched to cane sugar as its sole sweetener in 2007. They are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive flavors, which feature a real sugar base.
- Dublin Bottling Works: An old-school brand that uses pure cane sugar in its sodas and makes a point of never using HFCS.
- Americana: This brand specializes in vintage-style sodas sweetened with pure cane sugar, using brewing methods dating back to the 1900s.
- International Brands: Many sodas imported from outside the U.S. are sweetened with cane sugar. Examples include Fentimans and Karma Cola, often available at specialty grocery stores.
How to Identify Real Sugar Sodas
The most reliable way to know what's in your drink is to check the label. Because HFCS is cheaper and more commonly used in the U.S., you should always confirm the sweetener used.
Reading the Ingredient List
- Look for explicit mentions of "cane sugar," "pure cane sugar," or "sucrose" on the ingredient list.
- Avoid products that list "high-fructose corn syrup" or other corn-based syrups.
- Check for clues on the packaging. Brands will often heavily promote the use of "real sugar" on the front of the label as a marketing point.
Packaging and Origin
- Glass bottles often indicate imported sodas, which frequently use cane sugar, like Mexican Coke.
- Be cautious of fountain drinks, as dispensers almost always use HFCS syrup, even if the canned or bottled version has a real-sugar variant.
Real Sugar vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup: The Key Differences
While both sweeteners consist of fructose and glucose, their composition and processing differ, leading to subtle taste variations that can be detected by some consumers.
| Feature | Real Sugar (Sucrose) | High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS-55) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 50% Fructose, 50% Glucose (bonded molecule) | 55% Fructose, 45% Glucose (free molecules) |
| Source | Sugar cane or sugar beets | Corn starch |
| Taste | Often described as a 'cleaner' and less syrupy sweetness | Can have a slightly different taste and aftertaste |
| Cost | Generally more expensive, depending on market prices | Less expensive, major driver for industry switch |
| Commonality | Common in imported or specialty products in the U.S. | Most common sweetener in mass-produced U.S. sodas |
Popular Sodas with Real Sugar at a Glance
- Mexican Coke: Imported, glass bottle, widely available.
- Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop: Special release version from Pepsi, look for the 'Soda Shop' branding.
- Dr Pepper Made with Real Sugar: Limited-edition product.
- Jones Soda: Craft soda brand that uses pure cane sugar.
- Boylan Bottling Co.: Vintage craft soda, wide range of flavors.
- Dublin Bottling Works: Specialty brand known for pure cane sugar sodas.
- Americana: Vintage-style craft sodas with pure cane sugar.
- Kosher for Passover Coke: Look for the yellow cap during springtime.
Conclusion
Finding a soda with real sugar is easier than it might seem, provided you know where and how to look. For major brands, you'll need to seek out imported or special release versions like Mexican Coke or Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar. The craft soda market offers an even wider array of choices, with brands like Jones and Boylan consistently using pure cane sugar. Always double-check the ingredient list for "cane sugar" or "sucrose" to be certain. While the health implications of excessive sugar are similar regardless of its source, opting for real sugar can provide a distinct, often preferred, taste profile. Knowing your brands and reading labels are the key to satisfying that real-sugar soda craving.
For more information on the history of HFCS and cane sugar in soda, refer to this informative article from PBS.
