Difference Between Corn Syrup And High Fructose
When it comes to sweetening foods and beverages, there are a variety of options available. Two of the most commonly used sweeteners are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. Although they might sound similar, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup have some notable differences that are worth understanding.
What Is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup, also known as glucose syrup, is a sweetener that's made by breaking down cornstarch into glucose molecules. It's typically used to sweeten foods like baked goods, candy, and soft drinks. Corn syrup is also used in some savory dishes to add sweetness and balance flavors.
Although corn syrup is sweet, it's not as sweet as table sugar. Corn syrup is less sweet because it's primarily made up of glucose, which is a simple sugar with a mild sweetness. Because corn syrup isn't as sweet as table sugar, it's often used in combination with other sweeteners to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that's made by converting some of the glucose in corn syrup into fructose. This conversion process makes high fructose corn syrup sweeter than regular corn syrup and more comparable in sweetness to table sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is used in a variety of processed foods and beverages, including soda, cereals, and snacks. Some research has suggested that high fructose corn syrup may be associated with health problems like obesity and type 2 diabetes, although the evidence for these claims is not yet conclusive.
What Are the Differences Between Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup?
One of the primary differences between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup is their sweetness. Corn syrup is less sweet than high fructose corn syrup because it's primarily made up of glucose. High fructose corn syrup is sweeter because it contains fructose in addition to glucose.
Another difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup is their composition. Corn syrup is primarily made up of glucose, while high fructose corn syrup contains both glucose and fructose. The amount of fructose in high fructose corn syrup can vary depending on the specific product, but it's typically higher than the amount of fructose in regular corn syrup.
Finally, there's a difference in how corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup are processed. Corn syrup is made by breaking down cornstarch into glucose molecules, while high fructose corn syrup is made by converting some of the glucose in corn syrup into fructose. This process of converting glucose into fructose is what makes high fructose corn syrup sweeter than regular corn syrup.
Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup, there's no definitive answer as to which one is "better." Both sweeteners have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the specific application and personal preferences.
For example, if you're making candies or other confections that require a specific level of sweetness, corn syrup might be a better choice because it's less sweet than high fructose corn syrup. On the other hand, if you're sweetening a beverage like soda, high fructose corn syrup might be a better choice because it's sweeter and can provide a stronger flavor.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that both corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup are added sugars that should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.