Coca-Cola's recent announcement that it will launch cane sugar-sweetened beverages has sparked unease among U.S. corn growers, especially in South Dakota, where corn is a critical commodity-even if its use in sweeteners is minimal.

The shift, unveiled during the company's Q2 earnings report, is framed as a brand diversification move rather than a wholesale replacement of existing products that use high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Yet, it has already triggered backlash from the Corn Refiners Association and concern among Midwestern ag leaders.

The context surrounding the decision is politically charged. President Donald Trump touted the move on Truth Social, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has blamed HFCS for contributing to the U.S. obesity crisis-a sentiment gaining ground in consumer advocacy circles.

Though cane sugar and HFCS are nutritionally similar, the perception of HFCS as a more processed ingredient has tarnished its public image. Countries like Mexico, the UK, and France already sweeten Coca-Cola with cane sugar.

Still, only 3-4% of U.S. corn production is refined into HFCS, according to industry estimates. South Dakota's corn-ranked sixth nationally in total production-is even less likely to become syrup. Most of it feeds ethanol plants and livestock operations, not soda fountains.

DaNita Murray, executive director of South Dakota Corn, dismissed the move as "a marketing decision" with potentially harmful implications. "We firmly believe that demand is demand, and we don't like the accusation that we're raising poison," she said.

A scenario where HFCS is restricted nationwide-as some legislation has proposed-could have deeper implications. A North Dakota State University study estimated corn prices could fall 15-34 cents per bushel in such a case, slicing $2.2 billion to $5.1 billion off corn cash receipts.

However, not all stakeholders agree on the potential fallout. Doug Sombke of the South Dakota Farmers Union argues the actual economic impact would be negligible. "For the family farmer, it's so small," he said. His focus is on ethanol growth and diversifying farm outputs, not preserving HFCS demand.

Jim Ketelhut, president of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, added that corn's affordability and availability make it indispensable. "Sugar is sugar," he said. "The reason [corn syrup] is used so much is that it's highly available, and it's economical for end users."

As sugar wars heat up, it's clear the concern is as much about optics as economics. While cane sugar gains ground in public perception, corn's champions warn against dismissing a staple crop that supports diverse U.S. ag sectors.