Corn Sweeteners

Corn sweeteners are a group of sugary syrups made from corn starch. The starch is broken down into simpler sugars, such as glucose and fructose, through a process using enzymes. These sweeteners vary in their sugar composition and sweetness level.

They are widely used in processed foods and beverages primarily as a source of sweetness. Beyond sweetening, corn sweeteners can also help improve texture, prevent crystallization, and retain moisture in products like baked goods, candies, and soft drinks.

Corn sweeteners are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They are a source of calories and contribute to the "added sugars" content of foods. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. Excessive intake of added sugars, including those from corn sweeteners, is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases when consumed in excess of caloric needs. JECFA has evaluated various glucose syrups and related compounds and has not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified) for many, considering them food ingredients.