High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. The starch is first broken down into glucose, and then some of the glucose is converted into fructose using enzymes.

HFCS is used as a sweetener and to help preserve freshness and improve texture in many processed foods. It is commonly found in soft drinks, candies, baked goods, breakfast cereals, and various sauces.

High-fructose corn syrup is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is a source of calories and is metabolized by the body in a way similar to table sugar (sucrose). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) recommend no amount of added sugars, including HFCS, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. JECFA has evaluated glucose syrups and fructose, which are components of HFCS. While there has been public debate about its health effects, scientific bodies generally conclude that its metabolic impact is similar to other sugars when consumed in comparable amounts.