Coca-Cola to Launch Mini Cans and Cane Sugar Sweetened Drinks in the U.S.

Coca-Cola is preparing to launch mini 7.5-ounce single-serve cans of its popular soft drinks across U.S. convenience stores early next year. The company aims to attract consumers looking for both affordability and fewer calories. Joel Bishop, President of Commercial Leadership for Coca-Cola’s North American division, stated that the initiative focuses on “affordability and recruitment,” noting that there are limited beverage options available for under $2. Each mini can, priced at a suggested $1.29, contains 90 calories—significantly less than the 240 calories found in a standard 20-ounce plastic bottle, Coca-Cola’s top-selling size in convenience outlets.

Expanded Mini Can Lineup

The new mini cans will include several Coca-Cola beverages such as Coke Zero Sugar, Cherry Coke, Sprite, and Fanta. Diet Coke will also be available in select regions where it maintains strong demand. While multi-can packs in smaller sizes are already sold in supermarkets and wholesale stores like Costco and Kroger, this marks Coca-Cola’s first major effort to introduce single mini cans widely in convenience stores.

Comeback of Cane Sugar Formulation

Alongside the mini cans, Coca-Cola plans to bring back glass bottles of its soda sweetened with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup later this year. This variant—popularly known as “Mexican Coke”—is being relaunched in response to growing consumer interest in more natural sweeteners. The plan, initially mentioned by President Donald Trump, was later confirmed by Bishop.

Responding to Changing Consumer Trends

Coca-Cola’s U.S. soda sales have experienced fluctuations in recent years, with revenue growth largely driven by price increases rather than higher consumption. The company has also felt the impact of reduced spending among Hispanic consumers, a key demographic group. Introducing smaller cans and cane sugar-based products reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy to adapt to evolving consumer preferences for portion control, affordable pricing, and natural ingredients.

Ongoing Debate on Sweeteners and Health

Interest in the cane sugar version has grown amid public discussions about the health effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently claimed that HFCS contributes to chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. However, most medical experts emphasize limiting all types of added sugars, noting that there is little scientific evidence showing significant health differences between cane sugar and HFCS.