Coca-Cola will use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup to sweeten a version of Coke in the U.S. Are there any health benefits to the switch? Dietitians explain.

The situation somewhat echoes what happened in the ’80s, when Coca-Cola introduced a new version of its iconic sip, only to face enormous consumer backlash. That led the company to bring back the old version, dubbed Coca-Cola Classic, which was sold alongside the new Coke. Eventually, the classic Coke won out and new Coke was discontinued.

Very little of South Dakota’s corn is used to produce sweetened beverages, but the crop’s boosters in the state say a nationwide shift toward cane sugar is an unwelcome sign for corn farmers. Coca-Cola announced its intention to offer cane sugar-sweetened beverages this week.

Coca-Cola will offer cane sugar Coke in the U.S., but health experts say it's no better than corn syrup for wellness. This live blog is now closed.

Coca-Cola said Tuesday it will add a cane-sugar version of its trademark cola to its U.S. lineup this fall, confirming a recent announcement by President Donald Trump.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that “sugar is poison.” Roughly three months later, Kennedy praised Steak ’n Shake for announcing that the fast-food chain would start offering Coca-Cola with real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.