High fructose corn syrup facts for kids

High fructose corn syrup (often called HFCS) is a type of corn syrup. It's made by changing some of the glucose in corn syrup into fructose. This change makes the syrup much sweeter.

HFCS is used in many foods and drinks. You can find it in breads, cereal, soda, yogurt, and breakfast bars. It's a common ingredient because it's sweet and helps keep foods fresh.

HFCS first appeared in the late 1950s. It became popular in the United States during the late 1970s and 1980s. Some people have linked high fructose corn syrup to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn. It's not the same as regular table sugar, which is called sucrose. Sucrose is made of equal parts glucose and fructose. HFCS has a different mix of these two sugars.

The main sugar in corn syrup is glucose. To make HFCS, special steps are taken to turn some of that glucose into fructose. This process makes the syrup sweeter and gives it different properties.

How is HFCS Made?

Making HFCS starts with cornstarch. Cornstarch is broken down into a syrup that is mostly glucose. This is done using special substances called enzymes.

Next, another enzyme is added to this glucose syrup. This enzyme changes some of the glucose into fructose. The amount of fructose can be controlled. This is how different types of HFCS are made, like HFCS 42 (42% fructose) or HFCS 55 (55% fructose).

Where is HFCS Found?

HFCS is a very common ingredient in many processed foods. Food makers use it for several reasons. It's sweet, helps foods stay moist, and can make baked goods brown nicely.

You might find HFCS in:

• Sweetened drinks like soda and fruit juices
• Baked goods such as bread, cakes, and cookies
• Breakfast cereals and snack bars
• Yogurts and ice cream
• Condiments like ketchup and salad dressings

The History of HFCS

Scientists first developed high fructose corn syrup in the late 1950s in Japan. It took some time for it to become widely used. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, it started to be used a lot in the United States.

One reason for its popularity was the cost of sugar. HFCS became a cheaper alternative to sugar for many food companies. This made it a common ingredient in many products we see today.

Health and HFCS

There has been a lot of discussion about how HFCS affects health. Some studies have looked at the link between consuming a lot of HFCS and health conditions. These conditions include obesity (being very overweight) and diabetes.

It's important to remember that all added sugars, including HFCS and table sugar, should be eaten in moderation. Eating too much of any added sugar can lead to health problems. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for good health.

See also

In Spanish: Jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa para niños