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Fame Shock News

corn syrup vs high fructose corn syrup

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on June 13, 2026

According to many medical experts, including the American Heart Association, corn syrup is not as bad as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). High fructose corn syrup specifically is implicated in a variety of diseases such as obesity, heart diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

Is high-fructose corn syrup is worse for you than sugar?

Studies show that high fructose corn syrup increases your appetite and it promotes obesity more than regular sugar. “High fructose corn syrup also contributes to diabetes, inflammation, high triglycerides, and something we call non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” says Dr.

What is the advantage of high-fructose corn syrup over regular corn syrup?

One of the most advantageous uses of HFCS is that they are readily dissolved in water. In addition to that, HFCS gives texture to foods & beverages. Compared to sugar, HFCS also creates crunchier and superior browning to the foods.

What is wrong with high-fructose corn syrup?

It is known, however, that too much added sugar of all kinds — not just high-fructose corn syrup — can contribute unwanted calories that are linked to health problems, such as weight gain, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high triglyceride levels. All of these boost your risk of heart disease.

Is fructose better than high-fructose corn syrup?

Conclusions. Although some imply that HFCS and fructose are the same, they are different sweeteners. Consuming HFCS has essentially the same results as consuming table sugar (sucrose). Fructose is sweeter than sugar and so less can be used to sweeten foods and beverages.

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup?

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

Is honey healthier than corn syrup?

You may think you’re making a healthy swap when you choose honey or even regular cane sugar over corn syrup. But you’re not. Honey has basically the same effect on the body as high-fructose corn syrup, according to a new article in the Journal of Nutrition.

Is honey better than sugar?

From a calorie and sugar content perspective, the differences between sugar and honey are minimal, however, overall, honey contains slightly more health benefits than table sugar from its potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is pure cane sugar better than high-fructose corn syrup?

The study team found sugar-sweetened beverages, regardless of whether they use “natural” sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, have an increased risk factor for lower insulin sensitivity and fatty liver. Perhaps you figured pure cane sugar is somehow better than processed food and drink that use high-fructose corn syrup.

Why do companies use high fructose corn syrup?

High-fructose corn syrup is a common ingredient in packaged foods. Food manufacturers use it because it makes food sweet like sugar, but is less expensive.

Why does US use high fructose corn syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is actually cheaper than granulated sugar in America. The government pays subsidies to farmers for corn. Many products made with this ingredient are going to be more affordable than foods made with whole, natural ingredients. Fast food is also a cheap option.

Is HFCS considered a safe food ingredient?

Since 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that HFCS is safe as an ingredient for food and beverage manufacturing, and there is no evidence that retail HFCS products differ in safety from those containing alternative nutritive sweeteners.

What’s the new name for high-fructose corn syrup?

Well, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) argue that they have simply changed a form of HFCS called HFCS-90 (90% pure fructose) to be called fructose or fructose syrup. Manufacturers argue that fructose isn’t as bad because fructose makes up the sugar content in fruits.

What can I use instead of corn syrup?

5 Healthier Substitutes for Corn Syrup
Maple syrup. Derived from the sap of the maple tree, maple syrup is a natural sweetener known for its distinct taste and aroma. Honey. Honey is a popular sweetener that has been lauded for its health benefits. Stevia. Golden syrup. Molasses.

Is high-fructose corn syrup OK in moderation?

In short, HFCS is essentially the same as table sugar in taste and metabolic effect. Though it is largely over-consumed in sweetened beverages and processed foods, contributing to excess calorie consumption and weight gain, it is safe to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

Is glucose fructose syrup the same as high fructose corn syrup?

In turn, when the fructose content exceeds 50%, the name changes to Fructose-Glucose Syrup to reflect the higher content of fructose. In the United States, the syrup is produced from a maize starch, usually with either 42% or 55% fructose content, hence it is called High Fructose Corn Syrup.