Foods Containing High Fructose Corn Syrup

Apr 22, 2010 | By Sapna Pathak

According to registered dietician Kim Dorval, the link between consumption of high fructose corn syrup and obesity continues to increase as consumers rely more and more on processed foods, fast foods and instant snacks. "In 1980, Americans consumed 39 pounds of HFCS," said Dorval. "In 2001, that number was almost twice as much with Americans consuming 62.2 pounds of HFCS." High fructose corn syrup is an ingredient used in many baked goods, breads, soft drinks and fruit beverages and soups. HFCS is made when the glucose in cornstarch is chemically converted to glucose, another type of sugar.

Soft Drinks

In a 1998 article titled "The Great Sugar Shaft," by The Future of Freedom Foundation, "On November 6, 1984, both Coca-Cola and Pepsi announced plans to stop using sugar in soft drinks, replacing it with high-fructose corn syrup." Common HFCS is about 50 percent fructose and 50 perfent dextrose, a compound similar to table sugar. Most soda contains HFCS 55, which is 55 percent fructose, 45 percent dextrose. This combination allows a sweeter taste with more preservatives.

Condiments

Salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, dipping sauces and some fruit jellies and spreads contain high fructose corn syrup in large amounts, according to Dorval. Fast food salads and sandwiches are the perfect way for consumers to take in excess HFCS without even thinking about it. Though the amount of HFCS in condiments in fairly less than that in soft drinks, condiments contain HFCS in concentrated amounts.

Canned Goods

Soups, canned condiments and sauces contain high fructose corn syrup to help preserve taste. For large companies, using HFCS is cheaper than using sugar and it extends the shelf-life of processed foods. Canned soups with or without meat, relishes and pickles and canned cranberry sauce and vegetables labeled fat-free or low-fat are also candidates to have high fructose corn syrup as part of their ingredients. "Anything that is processed or has a long shelf-life should be noted that it most likely has HFCS," said Dorval.