High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from a mixture of pure corn syrup and corn syrup that has gone through a chemical process to convert glucose to fructose. The result is an extremely sweet, inexpensive sweetener and preservative. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., there is some evidence that high-fructose corn syrup may be a cause of obesity. The Corn Refiners Association indicates that high-fructose corn syrup is just another sugar, similar to maple syrup or table sugar.
Bottled, Canned and Jarred Foods
When you read the ingredients label on a bottle, jar or can of food, you are likely to find high-fructose corn syrup. Most salad dressings contain high-fructose corn syrup, as do many condiments, such as mustard, mayonnaise and tomato-based sauces. You will also find it, unexpectedly, in many savory foods, such as canned soups and stews.
There are two reasons for the ubiquity of high-fructose. It acts as a preservative, greatly extending the shelf life of pantry staples. It also provides a slightly sweet taste that enhances the flavors of the ingredients and suits the taste for sweetness that most Western palates have developed.
Fast Foods
Fast-food sodas contain high-fructose corn syrup, but it is found in other menu items, as well. High-fructose corn syrup browns up well, so it is used in many fast-food buns, including McDonald's hamburger buns and Burger King's croissants, to promote browning and preserve freshness. It can also be found in some pizza crusts, such as those served at Pizza Hut, as well as in fast-food salad dressings and in many of the condiments used on sandwiches.
Baby Formula
According to William Sears, M.D., high-fructose corn syrup in baby formula is a cause for alarm. Early introduction to high-fructose corn syrup can lead to obesity and serious health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes, later in life. It can also cause babies to develop an inappropriate taste for sweetness. Read the nutrition and ingredient labels carefully to check for the presence of high-fructose corn syrup in formulas.
Cough Syrup
Cough syrups and liquid cold medications may contain high-fructose corn syrup. Medications from Vicks, Robitussin, Dimetapp and Delsym all list corn syrup on their labels as inactive ingredients. The syrup is used as a sweetener to flavor the medicine and a preservative to extend its shelf life.
Baked Goods
Most baked goods are likely to contain some sugar, but many consumers are unaware that, in many premade and commercial baked goods, high-fructose corn syrup is the main sweetener. Because it is inexpensive, it makes baked goods more affordable to produce. Baked goods containing high-fructose corn syrup also have longer shelf lives.
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