However, Coca-Cola and medical authorities argue that high-fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are nutritionally similar, disputing that a switch would yield major public health benefits.

Coca-Cola reported better-than-expected earnings in the second quarter as higher prices offset weaker sales volumes.

“Both high-fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are about 50% fructose, 50% glucose, and have identical metabolic effects,” he told the media outlet.