Which Soft Drinks Use Real Sugar? A Comprehensive Guide

Most major American soda brands switched from real sugar to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the 1980s for cost and stability benefits. This significant shift has made many consumers wonder which soft drinks use real sugar today, prompting a search for products made with traditional cane sugar.

Quick Summary

This article explores soft drink brands that use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. It highlights popular options, craft sodas, international variations, and modern products using alternative natural sweeteners, detailing where to find these choices and how to identify them.

Key Points

• Check Labels: The most reliable way to find real sugar is by reading the ingredients, looking for 'cane sugar' or 'sucrose'.

• Mexican Coke: Historically known for cane sugar in glass bottles, but recipes can vary, so always check the label.

• Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop: This is Pepsi's designated real-sugar product line, available alongside its standard HFCS version.

• Craft Brands: Look for craft soda companies like Virgil's and Jones Soda Co., which prominently feature real cane sugar.

• Natural Alternatives: Zero-calorie alternatives like Zevia (stevia-sweetened) and Spindrift (fruit-sweetened) are options for those avoiding added sugars entirely.

The Shift from Sugar to High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Historically, soft drinks were sweetened with real sugar (sucrose). The change to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the late 1970s and early 1980s was primarily economic, as HFCS became a cheaper alternative in the US due to factors like high sugar prices and corn subsidies. This switch helped companies reduce costs and improved product stability. While HFCS is similar to sugar, many soda drinkers report a taste preference for cane sugar. Health experts note that both are added sugars and should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake of either carries similar risks.

Major Brands with Real Sugar Options

While HFCS is common in US sodas, some major brands offer real-sugar versions.

• Mexican Coca-Cola: Known for using cane sugar, differentiating it from the typical US version. However, some Mexican bottlers now use mixed sweeteners, and a US cane sugar version is emerging. Always check the label.
• Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar: PepsiCo's dedicated line using cane and beet sugar, now part of their "Soda Shop" offerings.
• International Varieties of Fanta: Fanta formulas vary globally; for example, Mexico uses real sugar, while the UK version has reduced sugar with artificial sweeteners.
• Crush: Certain glass-bottled varieties of Crush are explicitly labeled "Made with Sugar".

The Rise of Craft Sodas and Natural Sweeteners

Craft sodas and brands focusing on natural ingredients provide more options for those seeking real sugar or alternative sweeteners.

Craft Soda Brands Using Real Sugar

• Virgil's: Uses natural ingredients, including real cane sugar. Flavors include root beer and cream soda.
• Jones Soda Co.: Features 100% cane sugar in a variety of unique and classic flavors.
• Jarritos: This popular Mexican brand is sweetened with real cane sugar and is widely available.
• Stewarts Fountain Classics: Offers real sugar options in classic flavors like Orange 'n Cream Soda, often in glass bottles.

Brands with Natural Zero-Sugar Sweeteners

For avoiding added sugar, some brands use plant-derived sweeteners.

• Zevia: Sweetened with stevia leaf extract for zero sugar and calories.
• Spindrift: Sparkling water flavored with real fruit juice and purées, containing no added sugar.

Comparison of Popular Soft Drink Options

Brand	Sweetener	US Availability	International/Special Availability
American Coca-Cola	High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Standard Product	Varies
Mexican Coca-Cola	Cane Sugar (Historically)	Imported; widely available	Primarily Mexico, but imported globally
Pepsi	High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Standard Product	Varies
Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop	Cane and Beet Sugar	Special Releases/Permanent Line	Varies
Fanta	HFCS (US)	Standard Product	Cane sugar in Mexico; other variations exist
Jarritos	Cane Sugar	Widely available	Made in Mexico, sold globally
Virgil's	Cane Sugar	Craft soda section	Retailers that carry specialty sodas
Jones Soda	Cane Sugar	Craft soda section	Retailers that carry specialty sodas

How to Find Real Sugar Sodas

To find real sugar soft drinks, look for these indicators:

• Read the Label: The ingredients list will specify "cane sugar" or "sucrose" and should not list "high-fructose corn syrup." Recipes can differ by country.
• Glass Bottles: Often an indicator of real sugar, particularly for imported or traditional brands like Mexican Coke.
• Specialty Stores: International markets, natural food stores, and specialty shops are good sources for diverse real-sugar options.
• Dedicated Product Lines: Search for specific names like "Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar".
• Craft Soda Sections: Many stores have aisles dedicated to craft sodas, where brands like Virgil's and Jones Soda are found.

The Enduring Appeal of Real Sugar Sodas

Consumer preference for real sugar soft drinks is driven by a desire for traditional taste and ingredient transparency. While HFCS is common in the US, the market for cane sugar and naturally sweetened alternatives is growing. By checking labels and knowing where to look, consumers can easily find these options as more brands respond to this demand.

Key Takeaways

• Label Check: Always read the ingredients list to verify the sweetener, as formulas vary by country and release.
• Mexican Coke: The glass-bottle Mexican version is famous for its cane sugar, but check the label as some bottlers have started using other sweeteners.
• Craft Sodas: Brands like Jones and Virgil's use real cane sugar exclusively and are often found in specialty aisles.
• Major Brands: Pepsi has a specific 'Made with Real Sugar' product line, while Coca-Cola is introducing a US cane sugar option.
• Natural Alternatives: Some products, like Zevia and Spindrift, use plant-based sweeteners or natural fruit to avoid added sugars entirely.
• US vs. International: US sodas predominantly use HFCS due to cost, while many international or imported versions stick with cane sugar.
• Consumer Choice: The market is expanding with more options, putting the power to choose real sugar sodas back into the consumer's hands.

FAQs

Is Mexican Coke always made with real sugar?

No, it is not always guaranteed. While traditionally sweetened with cane sugar, some bottlers in Mexico have shifted to using HFCS for parts of their production, particularly following a soda tax. The best practice is to check the ingredient label.

Why do American sodas taste different than international versions?

The primary reason for the taste difference is the sweetener used. Most American versions use high-fructose corn syrup, which has a distinct taste profile compared to the cane or beet sugar used in many international products.

Are there any zero-sugar sodas that use real sugar?

No, zero-sugar sodas cannot use real sugar as it contains calories. They use sugar substitutes, such as artificial sweeteners or plant-based options like stevia, as seen in products like Zevia.

How can I tell if a soda is made with real sugar?

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list on the packaging. Look for terms like "cane sugar" or "sucrose" and ensure high-fructose corn syrup is not listed. Also, keep an eye out for brands explicitly marketed as using real sugar, like Virgil's or Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop.

Is real sugar soda healthier than high-fructose corn syrup soda?

According to health experts, there is little nutritional difference, and both are added sugars that provide calories and should be consumed in moderation. The health impact of overconsumption is similar for both sweeteners.

What are some common craft soda brands that use real sugar?

Several craft brands are dedicated to using real sugar. Prominent examples include Jones Soda Co., Virgil's, and Boylan Bottling Co., which can often be found in the craft beverage section of supermarkets or specialty stores.

Does real sugar soda have a different carbonation level?

No, the carbonation process is independent of the sweetener used. Any difference in fizziness is due to manufacturing processes, not the type of sugar. However, some believe the cleaner taste of cane sugar allows the carbonation to feel more crisp.

What are some naturally sweetened sodas with no added sugar?

Brands like Spindrift and Izze use fruit juice and purees for flavor, with Spindrift containing no added sugar. Zevia uses stevia as a natural, plant-based sweetener with zero calories.

Does the packaging affect the taste of a real sugar soda?

Some consumers report a taste difference based on packaging material. Glass bottles are often favored by enthusiasts who believe they preserve the flavor more effectively than plastic or aluminum cans.

Why did most major US sodas switch from cane sugar?

Mass market brands switched primarily for economic reasons, as high-fructose corn syrup was more affordable and had a longer shelf life. The stability of HFCS was also beneficial for manufacturing and storage.

Citations

• What to know about soda sweeteners as sugar ... - AP News
• Coca-Cola confirms a drink with cane sugar is coming - ABC News
• Why does American Coca-Cola taste different from Mexican ... - Economic Times
• Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop Made with Real Sugar - Wikipedia
• What Sets Virgil's Apart: The Ingredients and Craftsmanship ... - Virgil's
• Sparkling Water FAQs - Spindrift

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people prefer the taste of real sugar soda?

Many people prefer the taste of cane sugar soda, perceiving it as a cleaner, less syrupy sweetness compared to high-fructose corn syrup. The difference is often attributed to subtle flavor notes and how the palate perceives the sweetness.

Is real sugar soda healthier than soda with high-fructose corn syrup?

Health experts agree that from a nutritional standpoint, real sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup are very similar in their metabolic effects. Both are added sugars and should be consumed in moderation, regardless of the source. Excessive intake of either can lead to similar health issues.

How can I find Mexican Coke with real sugar?

The most common way to find Mexican Coke is to look for the glass-bottled version at international or specialty grocery stores. However, always check the label, as some bottlers may have changed their formulas, and a new US cane sugar version is also being released.

Where can I find craft sodas that use real sugar?

Craft sodas like Jones Soda and Virgil's can typically be found in specialty soda sections of large supermarkets, natural food stores like Whole Foods, or dedicated beverage stores.

Why did most major US sodas switch from cane sugar?

The primary reasons for the switch were economic. High-fructose corn syrup became a cheaper alternative to real sugar due to market conditions and agricultural subsidies. Its stability in acidic beverages also made it convenient for mass production.

Are there zero-sugar sodas that use a natural sweetener?

Yes, Zevia is a popular brand that uses stevia, a natural plant-based sweetener, to create a line of zero-calorie and zero-sugar sodas. Spindrift is another brand that uses real fruit juice for flavor with no added sugar.

Does the type of packaging affect the taste of soda?

While it doesn't impact the sugar content, many consumers believe soda tastes best from a glass bottle. The material of cans and plastic bottles can slightly alter the flavor profile over time compared to the inert nature of glass.