Difference Between High Fructose Corn Syrup And Light Corn Syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and Light Corn Syrup are two sweeteners that are commonly used in the United States. They are often used in baking as well as in processed foods and drinks. However, many people wonder what the differences are between these two sweeteners. In this article, we will explore the differences between HFCS and Light Corn Syrup.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
HFCS is a sweetener that is made from corn starch. Enzymes are added to corn starch to convert it into glucose. Then, another enzyme is added to convert some of the glucose into fructose. The resulting syrup is a combination of glucose and fructose. HFCS is commonly used in processed foods and drinks because it is cheaper than sugar and it is easier to blend with other ingredients.
What is Light Corn Syrup?
Light Corn Syrup is also made from corn starch. However, it is made by adding an acid to corn starch that breaks down the starch into glucose. The resulting syrup is nearly 100% glucose. Light Corn Syrup is commonly used in baking because it prevents sugar from crystallizing and it adds moisture to baked goods.
What are the Differences Between HFCS and Light Corn Syrup?
One of the main differences between HFCS and Light Corn Syrup is the type of sugar they are made up of. HFCS is made up of both glucose and fructose, while Light Corn Syrup is nearly 100% glucose. This difference in sugar composition affects the taste, texture, and cooking properties of the two sweeteners.
Another difference between the two sweeteners is their sweetness. HFCS is sweeter than Light Corn Syrup, so less of it is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. This is one of the reasons why HFCS is commonly used in processed foods and drinks.
Lastly, HFCS is often viewed as less healthy than Light Corn Syrup because of its higher fructose content. Some studies have shown that consuming too much fructose can lead to health problems such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. However, it is important to note that these studies are still inconclusive and more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of HFCS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HFCS and Light Corn Syrup are two sweeteners that are commonly used in the United States. They are made from the same base ingredient, corn starch, but they have different sugar compositions and properties. While HFCS is viewed as less healthy than Light Corn Syrup, more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of consuming either sweetener in moderation.