High Fructose Corn Syrup And Water

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. Corn starch is broken down into glucose, and then some of the glucose is converted into fructose through an enzymatic process. This mixture of glucose and fructose is then combined with water.

HFCS is used as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages due to its sweetness, affordability, and shelf-stability. It is commonly found in baked goods, cereals, condiments, and soft drinks.

In the US, HFCS is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is chemically similar to sucrose (table sugar) in its composition of glucose and fructose. Some research suggests that high intake of added sugars, including HFCS, may be linked to health issues like weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is mixed and debated among scientists. Both the WHO and EFSA have evaluated added sugars and recommend limiting their intake.