Do Lance Crackers Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Since December 2008, Lance has proactively eliminated high-fructose corn syrup from all varieties of its sandwich crackers in response to evolving consumer preferences and nutritional scrutiny. This change was a significant step for the company's snack product lines.

Quick Summary

Lance removed high-fructose corn syrup from its sandwich cracker lineup over a decade ago due to consumer demand. Some varieties now contain regular corn syrup, which is a different type of sweetener.

Key Points

HFCS Removed in 2008: Lance eliminated high-fructose corn syrup from all its sandwich cracker varieties over a decade ago.
Corn Syrup is Different: Some Lance products still contain regular corn syrup, which is chemically different from high-fructose corn syrup.
Ingredient Labels Are Key: Always check the physical product packaging for the most current and accurate ingredient list.
Consumer Demand Led to Change: The reformulation was a direct response to consumer and expert scrutiny of HFCS.
Older Products Vary: Some older or discontinued Lance products may have contained HFCS before the 2008 change.
Modern Varieties are HFCS-Free: Most modern Lance sandwich crackers are labeled and formulated without high-fructose corn syrup.

A History of Sweeteners in Lance Crackers

For many years, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was a common ingredient in numerous packaged foods, including some Lance cracker varieties. However, in late 2008, Lance, a leading snack manufacturer, made a significant reformulation decision. Citing increased consumer and nutritional professional scrutiny of HFCS, the company removed the ingredient from all 13 varieties of its sandwich crackers at the time. This move was driven by a commitment to offer cleaner, simpler ingredients in response to market demands for more wholesome snack options.

The Consumer-Driven Reformulation

Following the ingredient change in 2008, Lance promoted its crackers as being free from HFCS. This was part of a larger trend in the food industry to remove certain additives perceived as unhealthy by consumers. The company highlighted this change alongside other quality improvements, such as the elimination of trans fat. This demonstrates how food manufacturers adapt their products based on public health discussions and changing consumer preferences for perceived 'better-for-you' snacks.

Understanding the Difference: Corn Syrup vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

It is critical to distinguish between these two ingredients, as some confusion persists. High-fructose corn syrup is a processed sweetener derived from corn starch, where a portion of the glucose is converted to fructose via an enzymatic process. Regular corn syrup is primarily glucose and is a simpler, less-processed sweetener.

Key differences include:

Composition: HFCS contains a higher percentage of fructose than standard corn syrup.
Processing: HFCS undergoes additional enzymatic processing to increase its fructose content.
Labeling: Ingredient labels clearly differentiate between "corn syrup" and "high-fructose corn syrup." Lance products that use a sweetener derived from corn now typically list "corn syrup".

Ingredient Breakdown of Popular Lance Crackers

Many popular Lance cracker varieties, such as the Toasty Peanut Butter sandwich crackers, confirm the absence of high-fructose corn syrup in their current formulations. Instead, they use a combination of sugar and corn syrup to achieve their desired taste and texture. When examining the ingredients, it is important to check the label for the specific product you are purchasing, as formulations can occasionally change. For example, the current Lance Toasty Peanut Butter crackers list includes:

Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
Peanut Butter (Roasted Peanuts)
Vegetable Oil (Palm, Soybean and/or Canola)
Sugar, Dextrose, Salt, Corn Syrup
Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Ammonium Bicarbonate)
Soy Lecithin, Whey (Milk)

This list explicitly includes corn syrup but lacks the mention of high-fructose corn syrup.

Comparison of Sweeteners in Lance Crackers


Product Name	High Fructose Corn Syrup?	Corn Syrup?	Additional Sweeteners	Last Known Status/Notes
Toasty Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers	No	Yes	Sugar, Dextrose	HFCS removed in 2008; currently uses corn syrup.
Toast Chee Sandwich Crackers (current)	No	Yes	Sugar, Dextrose	Uses corn syrup; also includes cheese and flavorings.
Captain's Wafers (older variety)	Yes	Yes	Sugar	A variety pack ingredient list from 2012 shows this flavor once contained HFCS.
Nekot Cookies (older variety)	Yes	Yes	Sugar, Dextrose	An ingredient list from a variety pack confirms this product previously contained HFCS.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bites	No	Yes	Sugar	Explicitly labeled as containing no HFCS but lists corn syrup.

How to Verify Ingredients on Lance Products

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, the best practice is always to check the ingredient list on the physical product packaging. This is because ingredient formulations can be updated over time and vary slightly between products or package sizes. If you have concerns about HFCS, simply scan the label for the words "high fructose corn syrup." As of late 2008, you should not find this ingredient in Lance sandwich crackers, but vigilance is key for other snack categories.

Conclusion

For over a decade, Lance has not used high-fructose corn syrup in its sandwich crackers, addressing consumer health concerns and market trends. The company’s switch to using regular corn syrup and sugar reflects its response to public opinion regarding sweetener ingredients. While regular corn syrup is still a processed sweetener, it is chemically distinct from HFCS. Consumers seeking to avoid high-fructose corn syrup can generally feel confident in choosing modern Lance sandwich crackers, but should always verify ingredients on the package to be certain.

One more thing to love about Lance Sandwich Crackers

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Lance crackers contain corn syrup. While many sandwich cracker varieties use it, other Lance products, like plain saltines, may not. It is essential to check the ingredient list for each specific product to be sure.

Lance stopped using high-fructose corn syrup in all its sandwich cracker varieties in December 2008, a change that was publicly announced and well-documented.

Regular corn syrup is a different ingredient than high-fructose corn syrup, primarily composed of glucose rather than a higher ratio of fructose. While some people prefer to avoid HFCS specifically, both are processed sweeteners, and their health impacts should be considered in the context of overall dietary sugar intake.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredient list on the product's packaging. For more recent products, the package may also explicitly state 'No High Fructose Corn Syrup'.

Yes, older versions of some Lance crackers, like Toast Chee, did contain high-fructose corn syrup. However, the formula was updated in late 2008, and modern Toast Chee crackers use corn syrup instead.

The removal of high-fructose corn syrup is seen as a positive step by many consumers. However, Lance crackers remain a processed snack food containing refined flour, added sugars, and fats. Whether they fit into a 'healthy' diet depends on individual nutritional goals and overall dietary patterns.

The 2008 removal was specifically noted for sandwich crackers. While many of their products likely followed suit, it's always best to check the ingredient list on the packaging for other items like cookies, as formulations can vary.