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Coca-Cola is no stranger to using sugar in its popular cola. Coke in some countries, such as Mexico, uses sugar. Coca-Cola imports the beverage from Mexico to the U.S. for consumers who prefer the taste or who view sugar as a more natural ingredient.
CEO James Quincey told analysts on Tuesday that Coca-Cola also uses cane sugar in its other products, including coffee, lemonade and tea.
Coke with sugar “will be an enduring option for consumers,” Quincey said. “We are definitely looking to use the whole toolbox of available sweetening options to some extent where there are consumer preferences.”
After peaking in 1999, soft drink consumption has fallen every year as people become more health-conscious and prices increase, according to IBISWorld. Consumers are forecast to drink 42 gallons of soft drinks this year, down from nearly 50 gallons at its peak.
The decline has prompted soda makers to look for ways to have their core brands appeal to more consumers. Earlier this week, PepsiCo said it would launch a Pepsi offering with prebiotics this fall.
