High Fructose Corn Syrup Sugar

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. Enzymes are used to break down corn starch into glucose, and then some of the glucose is converted into fructose, resulting in a syrup that contains both glucose and fructose.

Manufacturers use HFCS as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages, similar to table sugar. It helps to enhance flavor, improve texture, and extend the shelf life of products. It is commonly found in soft drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, baked goods, cereals, and jams.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers high-fructose corn syrup to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food. Like other added sugars, HFCS provides calories and contributes to the total added sugar intake in the diet. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated corn syrup and fructose, which are components of HFCS. Some research has raised concerns about HFCS's role in health, but scientific bodies like the American Medical Association have stated that HFCS is nutritionally similar to sucrose (table sugar) and is processed similarly by the body; the primary concern is excessive consumption of added sugars in general.