Corn Syrup Vs High Fructose Corn Syrup
Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are two commonly used sweeteners in the United States, but there's often confusion about what the difference is between them. Are they the same thing? Which one is healthier? In this article, we'll take a closer look at corn syrup vs high fructose corn syrup and help you understand what sets them apart.
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. It's a thick, clear liquid that's about as sweet as granulated sugar. Corn syrup is often used in baking, as it helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, chewy texture. You may also find it as an ingredient in certain cocktails or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
Corn syrup is high in glucose, a simple sugar that our bodies use for energy. Unlike table sugar, which is made up of both glucose and fructose, corn syrup contains only glucose. This means that it doesn't have the same negative impact on our health as high fructose corn syrup.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch, just like corn syrup. However, the process of making HFCS involves converting some of the glucose in corn syrup to fructose, another type of simple sugar. This results in a sweetener that's much sweeter than corn syrup and also cheaper to produce.
HFCS is commonly used in processed foods, including soda, candy, and baked goods. Because it's so cheap to produce, it's often used in place of more expensive sweeteners like cane sugar or maple syrup. However, HFCS has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
What's the Difference Between Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup?
The main difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup is the type of sugar they contain. Corn syrup contains glucose, while HFCS contains a mix of glucose and fructose. This may sound like a minor difference, but it can have a big impact on our health. When we consume too much fructose, our bodies have a hard time processing it, which can lead to a range of health problems.
Another difference between the two sweeteners is how they're used. Corn syrup is often used in recipes that require a thick, sticky sweetener, like pecan pie or caramel sauce. HFCS, on the other hand, is most commonly used in processed foods and drinks, where it helps to add sweetness without adding extra bulk or texture.
Is Corn Syrup or High Fructose Corn Syrup Healthier?
Neither corn syrup nor high fructose corn syrup is particularly healthy. While corn syrup contains only glucose and is therefore better for us than HFCS, it's still a highly processed sweetener that can contribute to a range of health problems when consumed in excess. HFCS, meanwhile, has been linked to a number of serious health problems and is best avoided altogether.
Ideally, we should all be consuming less sugar overall, whether it's in the form of corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, or any other sweetener. When we do consume sugar, it's best to choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which provide some nutritional benefits along with their sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup are two sweeteners that are commonly used in the United States. While they're made from the same source - corn starch - the process used to make them results in two very different products. Corn syrup contains only glucose, while HFCS contains a mix of glucose and fructose. While neither sweetener is particularly healthy, HFCS has been linked to a range of serious health problems and is best avoided altogether.