Pepsi Signals a Sugar Shift as Cola Giants Face Ingredient Scrutiny
Pepsi is signaling it’s ready to bring back sugar in its sodas—at least for those who want it.
Speaking to investors this week, Reuters reported that PepsiCo executives said the company would offer sugar-sweetened versions of its flagship beverages if that’s what consumers demand.
The statement comes as public pressure ramps up over the use of high-fructose corn syrup, which remains the sweetener of choice for most mass-market sodas in the U.S.
“We would use sugar in our products like Pepsi beverages if consumers want it,” CEO Ramon Laguarta said during the company’s quarterly call.
The announcement follows increased scrutiny from health advocates and the growing influence of movements pushing for simpler, more natural ingredients in food and drink. While Pepsi stopped short of confirming a sugar-swap rollout, the message was clear: the cola wars may be heading back to their roots.
Earlier this week, Newsweek reported Coca-Cola made a statement in a social media reply, underscoring its global compliance with food safety and labeling laws. The company didn’t confirm any plans to change its sweetener formula, instead emphasizing that all its beverages meet federal and international standards.
“All Coca-Cola brand products are wholesome beverages manufactured in compliance with the federal law governing food safety and labeling, the laws of all the states, and the laws of over 200 countries throughout the world where they are sold,” the statement read.
Both cola giants rely on high-fructose corn syrup in the U.S., largely because it’s cheaper than cane sugar. However, calls for “cleaner” ingredients have been building, with some boutique soda brands already marketing sugar-sweetened products at a premium.
Pepsi’s comments come at a time when the company is also rebranding its snack lines, like Lay’s and Tostitos, to highlight natural ingredients and phase out artificial colors and flavors.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether mainstream cola drinkers, many of whom have stuck with their favorites for decades, will pay more for a sugar-based formula.
In a tighter economy, that could be a tough sell. But in the ever-competitive cola market, a return to real sugar could become a new battleground.