10 Deceiving New Names for High-Fructose Corn Syrup

What is High-Fructose Corn Syrup?

High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from cornstarch. It involves breaking down corn into glucose molecules, a simple sugar. Then, half of these glucose molecules are chemically converted into fructose, which is why the fructose in HFCS differs chemically from the natural fructose found in fruit.

New Name – Same Thing

Marketers understand the significant impact a name can have on sales. In the 1980s, low erucic acid rapeseed oil was rebranded as canola oil, and prunes, once associated with frequent bathroom visits, are now permitted to be labeled as dried plums. Yet, the most recent renaming might be the most misleading of all.

As awareness of the negative health implications of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) spread, consumers began scrutinizing labels for products without HFCS. A 2014 Nutrition Business Journal survey revealed that HFCS is at the top of consumers' unwanted ingredients list, followed by partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats.

Reportedly, corn refiners have invested close to $50 million in efforts to rebrand HFCS as "corn sugar."

Consider General Mills' Vanilla Chex as an example. This modern take on the traditional Chex cereal, available in most standard grocery stores, prominently declares "no high fructose corn syrup" on the front of the box. However, a glance at the ingredient list on the back reveals that HFCS has merely been renamed as a new form of fructose isolate.

The issue arises from the Corn Refiners Association's (CRA) use of the term "fructose" to refer to what was previously known as HFCS-90, which is 90 percent pure fructose. Compared to regular HFCS, containing 42 to 55 percent fructose, the implications are significant. General Mills and other companies prefer less transparency about this change.

The ingredient now labeled as "fructose" contains higher concentrations of a key component in HFCS linked to serious health problems. Instead of being a healthier alternative, it poses an even greater health risk than standard HFCS.

The CRA explains:

“A third product, HFCS-90, is sometimes used in natural and “light” foods, where very little is needed to provide sweetness. Syrups with 90% fructose will not state high fructose corn syrup on the label [anymore], they will state ‘fructose’ or ‘fructose syrup.’”

The way they get away with this is simple:

“Simply eliminating the high fructose corn syrup designation for the laboratory sweetener that’s nine-tenths fructose and calling it what it really is: fructose. And that’s how a processed-food product like Vanilla Chex that contains “fructose,” a substance that, according to the corn refiners, used to be called HFCS-90, can now declare itself to be high fructose corn syrup-free.”

Although the FDA has not recognized HFCS-90, also known as fructose, as safe, companies can still use it in their products. This is because the FDA has a designation known as "generally recognized as safe" or GRAS, which allows common food additives to bypass extensive review. Of the estimated 10,000 ingredients in processed foods, about 3,000 have not undergone FDA safety review, and fructose is among these unreviewed ingredients.

The fructose found in fruit differs significantly from the fructose in HFCS. Consuming fruit provides naturally occurring fructose along with fiber, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. In contrast, consuming HFCS means ingesting high concentrations of refined fructose without the beneficial components found in fruit.

10 Deceiving New Names for High-Fructose Corn Syrup

The corn industry staunchly defends high-fructose corn syrup, investing millions in advertising to promote it. Their campaigns often feature claims from medical and nutrition experts stating it's no more harmful than regular sugar. However, this is contested. 

Due to negative perceptions, food manufacturers frequently use alternative names, encouraging consumers to buy products without hesitation:

1. Maize syrup

2. Glucose syrup

3. Glucose-fructose syrup

4. Tapioca syrup

5. Fruit fructose

6. Crystalline fructose

7. HFCS (abbreviated form)

8. Isoglucose

9. Corn syrup

10. Dahlia syrup

Ultimately, these substitutes affect the body similarly to high-fructose corn syrup. It's crucial to scrutinize labels before making a purchase.

What Foods Contain HFCS? 

Many popular foods contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or its derivatives. From fruit juices to cereals, HFCS is prevalent in many items you might have thought were safe. 

Here are some surprising foods that likely contain HFCS:

Juice Cocktails:

Unless the label states 100% juice, the product probably contains high-fructose corn syrup. Juice cocktails are particularly deceptive, often comprising 99% sugar and only 1% real fruit juice. Always check the ingredients of fruit juices to ensure there are no added sugars.

Soda:

Soda may not be healthy for various reasons, and it often contains HFCS. As an alternative, consider sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Health food stores may offer soda alternatives sweetened with cane sugar instead of HFCS.

Yogurt:

Sweetened yogurts often contain HFCS, particularly those that are dairy-based. To avoid this, you might choose plant-based yogurts. Coconut yogurt is a delicious option, and you can even make it yourself.

Cereal:

Many cereals that appear healthy actually contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Consider the sugary options in grocery stores, including granola, which often feature this modified sugar (think Frosted Flakes). Cereal bars such as Pop Tarts and Toaster Strudels are also heavy with HFCS.

Syrups:

It's not surprising that many sweet syrups are brimming with HFCS or its derivatives. Products like Aunt Jemima, Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, and other pancake syrups are essentially flavored corn syrup. It's best to opt for 100% pure maple syrup, agave, or natural chocolate syrups from health food stores.

Bread:

Be cautious with white bread, and be aware that some whole wheat brands may include HFCS. Other baked goods, such as cookies, muffins, and pies, might list HFCS among their ingredients. Instead, consider homemade options like gluten-free buckwheat bread or anti-inflammatory sweet potato muffins.

Condiments:

Condiments such as ketchup and salad dressings often contain various sweeteners. For instance, Heinz ketchup is notorious for its high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) content. Similarly, barbecue sauces and marinades frequently contain HFCS. It's advisable to scrutinize the ingredients of salad dressings from brands like Kraft and generic store labels before buying. Fortunately, there are numerous natural and organic condiment brands available. Brands like Annie’s Naturals and Trader Joe’s offer healthier alternatives.

Jams & Preserves:

It's a common misconception that your favorite jam might be free of HFCS because it's made from fruit. However, many mass-produced jams are laden with corn-based sweeteners. A healthier option is to make your own jam by simmering 2 1/4 cups of chopped berries with 3 tablespoons of coconut sugar and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. 

Dangers of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

An increasing amount of scientific research suggests that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is linked to several health problems. Here are some health effects associated with the consumption of HFCS.

Heart Disease

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is widely recognized as a contributor to various cardiovascular issues. Initially, it elevates cholesterol and triglyceride levels and is also linked to higher blood pressure. These effects alone significantly increase the risk of heart-related problems. Moreover, high blood pressure is a component of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that heighten the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Diabetes

Fructose, particularly high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which contains a significant amount of unbound fructose, has been associated with diabetes. It's important to note that this is the harmful type of fructose, not the kind found in fruit. Recent studies have shown that consuming refined fructose can impair the regulation of blood fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduce insulin sensitivity. These conditions can elevate the risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Digestive Health

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a significant trigger for leaky gut syndrome. Studies conducted at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute have shown that the absorption of free-floating fructose from HFCS consumes more energy, which depletes the energy needed by the gut to preserve the delicate lining of the intestines. High amounts of free fructose are known to heighten intestinal permeability, leading to a leaky gut. When the gut becomes leaky, it causes inflammation in the body, and this inflammation can initiate a variety of diseases and illnesses.

Obesity

Most refined sugars are not beneficial for the body, but a study by Princeton University revealed that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) leads to more weight gain than refined sugar. The study controlled for caloric intake and found that animals given HFCS gained considerably more weight than those given table sugar. Additionally, HFCS was linked to abnormal rises in body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, and elevated triglyceride levels.

Cancer

A 2010 study by the American Association for Cancer Research indicated that fructose, particularly in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), may encourage the growth of cancer, specifically pancreatic cancer. The study revealed that cancer cells can quickly metabolize fructose, leading to the accelerated reproduction of pancreatic cancer cells. To reduce cancer risk, it is advisable to avoid products containing HFCS.

Heavy Metals

Numerous studies have identified excessive levels of mercury in products containing high fructose corn syrup, a hazardous heavy metal that can lead to mercury poisoning. Mercury adversely affects the liver, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Research published in Environmental Health discovered mercury in more than half of the tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup. Additional research has detected mercury in more than a third of 55 well-known brand-name food and beverage products from companies such as Kraft, Quaker, Hershey's, and Smucker's.