Does High Fructose Corn Syrup Count as Added Sugar?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods and beverages during processing or preparation. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) fits this definition perfectly, making it an official type of added sugar. This distinction is crucial for consumers seeking to manage their sugar intake and make informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is categorized as an added sugar by the FDA, meaning it contributes to the 'added sugars' total on nutrition labels. This article explains what HFCS is, how it differs from other sugars, and how to identify its presence in processed foods.

Key Points

Official Classification: The FDA and other major health organizations officially classify high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an added sugar, so it is counted in the 'Added Sugars' total on nutritional labels.
Label Transparency: Modern nutrition labels in the US must explicitly list the amount of added sugar, making it easier to identify HFCS content.
Ingredient Awareness: Always check the ingredients list, as HFCS is a common ingredient and is listed by name. If it appears near the beginning, the product contains a significant amount.
Nutritional Equivalence: Nutritionally, HFCS is very similar to regular table sugar (sucrose). The health concern stems from consuming too much of any added sugar, not HFCS specifically.
Health Risks: Excess intake of added sugars, including HFCS, is linked to weight gain, metabolic issues, fatty liver disease, and other health problems.
Focus on Whole Foods: The best way to reduce added sugar consumption is to limit processed foods and focus on whole foods, which contain naturally occurring sugars alongside beneficial fiber and nutrients.

Understanding the 'Added Sugar' Classification

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch that is used in many processed foods and beverages. For consumers, the most important fact to understand is that HFCS is legally classified as an added sugar by major health authorities, including the FDA and American Heart Association. Unlike naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits or milk, added sugars like HFCS are incorporated during manufacturing and contribute non-nutritive calories to the product.

To manufacture HFCS, enzymes are used to break down corn starch into glucose, which is then partially converted into fructose to increase sweetness. The two most common types are HFCS 42 and HFCS 55, containing 42% and 55% fructose, respectively. This makes its composition similar to sucrose (table sugar), which is 50% fructose and 50% glucose. Regardless of its specific ratio, the processing and addition to foods define it as 'added sugar.'

Decoding Food Labels

Identifying HFCS and other added sugars requires careful reading of food labels. Since 2021, the FDA has mandated that nutrition labels separately list 'added sugars,' making this task much simpler.

How to Spot Added Sugars on a Label

Look for the 'Includes Added Sugars' line: The nutrition facts panel on packaged foods now clearly indicates how many grams of the total sugars are added.
Scrutinize the Ingredients List: Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If any form of added sugar, such as 'high fructose corn syrup,' 'corn syrup,' 'cane sugar,' or 'honey,' appears near the top of the list, the product is high in added sweeteners.
Learn the different names: Manufacturers use many names for added sugars to make them less obvious. Terms ending in "-ose" (like dextrose or maltose), syrups (brown rice syrup), and nectars (agave nectar) are all forms of added sugar.

The Health Context of High Fructose Corn Syrup

While HFCS and regular table sugar (sucrose) are metabolically similar, the key health issue lies with the overconsumption of all types of added sugars. An excess of added sugar, whether from HFCS or other sources, is linked to negative health outcomes.

Potential Health Risks from Excess Added Sugar

Metabolic Issues: High intake can contribute to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Fatty Liver Disease: The liver metabolizes fructose differently from glucose. Excess fructose can overload the liver, leading to the production of fat and potentially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Obesity: Sugary beverages and processed snacks containing HFCS can lead to weight gain by contributing significant empty calories without promoting satiety.

High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Cane Sugar


Feature	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Cane Sugar (Sucrose)
Composition	Unbound glucose and fructose molecules in a liquid form.	One glucose molecule and one fructose molecule bonded together.
Processing	Derived from corn starch using enzymes to convert some glucose to fructose.	Refined from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Cost	Often cheaper for manufacturers due to corn subsidies.	Can be more expensive depending on market prices.
Nutritional Impact	Nutritionally very similar to sucrose when consumed in similar amounts.	Nutritionally very similar to HFCS; the issue is overconsumption of added sugars.
Texture & Stability	Provides moisture, aids browning, and has a longer shelf life.	Less stable in liquid solutions than HFCS.

Making Informed Choices

The most effective way to limit your intake of high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods. By prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you naturally reduce your exposure to hidden sweeteners. For packaged goods, consistently checking the ingredients list and the dedicated 'Added Sugars' line on the nutrition label is key. This approach empowers you to control the amount of added sugar in your diet, regardless of its specific name. The overall amount of added sugar consumed, rather than its specific type, is the most critical factor for health.

Conclusion

In summary, high fructose corn syrup is indeed counted as an added sugar on food labels. Both the FDA and other health organizations classify it as such because it is a caloric sweetener added during food processing, providing no additional nutrients. While nutritionally similar to table sugar, excessive intake of any added sugar is linked to negative health effects like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The best strategy for managing your health is to reduce your overall added sugar consumption, read labels carefully, and choose whole foods whenever possible.

For more detailed guidance on reducing added sugar, consult resources like the CDC's tips for spotting hidden sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, high fructose corn syrup is not a natural sugar. While it is made from corn (a natural source), it undergoes an industrial process using enzymes to convert some of its glucose into fructose, which categorizes it as a processed, added sugar.

To identify HFCS, check the ingredients list on the food label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if 'high fructose corn syrup' appears near the top, it is a significant component of the product.

According to the scientific consensus, HFCS is not nutritionally worse than regular table sugar (sucrose). The health impact of both is similar when consumed in excess. The primary health concern is the overall quantity of added sugars, not the specific type.

Like other added sugars, HFCS provides 'empty calories,' meaning it contains calories but offers no essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber. In contrast, naturally occurring sugars in whole foods like fruit come with beneficial nutrients.

Total Sugars includes all sugars in a product, both naturally occurring (like in milk or fruit) and added. Added Sugars, a separate line on the label, shows only the sugars and syrups that manufacturers added during processing.

HFCS is inexpensive to produce due to corn subsidies and provides desirable qualities for manufacturers, such as enhancing flavor, improving texture, and extending the shelf life of products.

To reduce your HFCS intake, focus on minimizing your consumption of processed foods, especially sugary drinks, baked goods, and condiments. Read labels to identify products containing HFCS and opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives.