High Frutose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. The 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 what gives HFCS its sweet taste.

Manufacturers use HFCS as a sweetener and to help preserve foods. It is found in a wide variety of processed foods, including baked goods, cereals, condiments, and beverages. Its liquid form makes it easy to blend into many food products.

HFCS is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Like other added sugars, consuming large amounts of HFCS can contribute to excess calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain and related health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that added sugars, including HFCS, should be limited in the diet. Evidence on whether HFCS has unique health effects compared to other sugars is mixed, with some studies suggesting differences and others finding no significant distinction when consumed in equivalent amounts.