Difference Between Sucrose And High Fructose Corn Syrup
When it comes to sweetening foods and drinks, most people think of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as the two most common sweeteners. While both are used for the same purpose, they are not the same. In this article, we will explore the difference between sucrose and high fructose corn syrup.
What is Sucrose?
Sucrose is a type of sugar that is commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It is also known as table sugar as it is the standard sweetener used in most households. Sucrose is made up of two simple sugars, glucose, and fructose, that are held together by a chemical bond.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup or HFCS is also a type of sugar but it is derived from corn. It is used as a sweetener in many processed foods and drinks. HFCS is created by breaking down cornstarch into glucose which is then treated with enzymes that convert some of the glucose into fructose.
Composition
The major difference between sucrose and HFCS is their composition. As stated earlier, sucrose is made up of glucose and fructose with a molecular formula of C12H22O11. On the other hand, HFCS is a mixture of glucose and fructose with a slightly different molecular formula, C6H12O6 and C6H12O5 respectively.
Sweetness
Another difference between sucrose and HFCS is their sweetness. HFCS is sweeter than sucrose, meaning that less of it is needed to sweeten food or drinks. HFCS contains 42-55% fructose while sucrose contains only 50% fructose.
Effects on Health
The effects of sucrose and HFCS on health are a topic of debate among health professionals. However, it is generally agreed that consuming too much sugar can lead to numerous health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. HFCS is believed to be worse for health than sucrose because of its high fructose content.
Usage
Sucrose is used as a sweetener in many food and drink products. It is also used in baking and cooking. HFCS is also used as a sweetener in food and drink products. However, it is more commonly used in the manufacturing of processed foods.
Cost
Finally, the cost of both sweeteners also differs. Sucrose is more expensive than HFCS because of the way it is produced. Sucrose is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets while HFCS is made from corn, which is less expensive to produce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sucrose and high fructose corn syrup are both sweeteners that are commonly used in food and drinks. However, they have many differences that set them apart. The major difference is their composition, with sucrose being made up of glucose and fructose while HFCS is a mixture of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is also less sweet than HFCS, and it is more expensive. While the effects of both sweeteners on health are debatable, consuming too much of either one can lead to health problems.