Does Redds have high fructose corn syrup? Unpacking the Ingredients

According to the official Redd's website, Redd's Hard Apple and its other flavored ales are explicitly made without high fructose corn syrup. This clarification addresses a common question among consumers who are mindful of ingredients and want to know exactly what is in their beverage.

Quick Summary

Redd's Hard Apple and its other products do not contain high fructose corn syrup. The brand uses corn syrup (dextrose) during brewing, which yeast ferments, and it is not in the final beverage.

Key Points

• No HFCS: Redd's products, including Hard Apple and Wicked, do not contain high fructose corn syrup.

• Fermentation Aid: Corn syrup (dextrose) is used during the brewing process to feed the yeast, but is fermented out and not present in the final drink.

• Sucrose is the Sweetener: The sweetness in Redd's comes from added sucrose (table sugar), not HFCS.

• Ingredient Transparency: Redd's clearly labels its ingredients and distinguishes between different types of corn syrup.

• Consistent Practice: The practice of avoiding HFCS is consistent across different Redd's product lines and flavors.

• Consumer Awareness: The company's transparency helps address common consumer concerns about sweeteners in beverages.

Understanding the Redd's Sweetener

Redd's has been transparent about its use of sweeteners, clarifying that their products do not use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The ingredient lists for products like Redd's Hard Apple and Redd's Wicked indicate the use of corn syrup (dextrose). This dextrose is consumed by yeast during fermentation and is not present in the final product. The sweetness in Redd's comes from sucrose, which is added after fermentation.

The Brewing Process Explained

1. Initial Ingredients: The process involves water, barley malt, and corn syrup (dextrose).
2. Yeast's Role: Yeast ferments the dextrose in the corn syrup.
3. Alcohol Production: This creates the alcohol.
4. Final Sweetening: Sucrose is added post-fermentation for sweetness.

Comparison Table: Corn Syrup (Dextrose) vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Feature	Corn Syrup (Dextrose) in Brewing	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Reference
Composition	Primarily glucose (dextrose).	Roughly 55% fructose, 45% glucose.
Purpose	Provides fermentable sugar for yeast.	Used as a finished sweetener in many soft drinks and processed foods.
Final Product	Fermented by yeast; not present in the final Redd's product.	Remains in the final product as the primary sweetener.
Fructose Content	Minimal to none in the finished beverage, depending on the beer.	High fructose content, which can have different metabolic effects than glucose.

Key Ingredients in Redd's

Typical ingredients include water, corn syrup (dextrose), barley malt, yeast, hop extract, sucrose, citric acid, natural flavor, caramel color, and preservatives. For detailed ingredient lists for specific flavors like Redd's Wicked, refer to the official sources.

Conclusion: A Clear Distinction

Redd's products do not contain high fructose corn syrup. The brand uses corn syrup (dextrose) during fermentation, which is consumed by the yeast and not in the final product. The sweetness comes from sucrose and natural flavors. For more information, the official Redd's website is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)?

Corn syrup (dextrose) is primarily glucose, and when used in brewing, it is consumed by yeast during fermentation. HFCS is processed to have a higher fructose content and is typically used as a finished sweetener in many processed foods and drinks.

What kind of sugar is used in Redd's Hard Apple?

Redd's Hard Apple is sweetened with sucrose, or table sugar, which is added after the fermentation process is complete.

Is Redd's considered a cider or a beer?

Redd's Hard Apple is an apple-flavored golden ale, not a traditional cider. It is brewed like a beer, while traditional ciders get their alcohol from fermented apple juice.

Why do people ask if Redd's contains high fructose corn syrup?

HFCS is a common sweetener in many beverages and processed foods, and many consumers try to limit their intake for health reasons. This leads to common inquiries about its presence in products.

Are all Redd's flavors free of high fructose corn syrup?

Based on the official website, various Redd's products, including flavors like Hard Apple, Wicked Apple, Black Cherry, and Peach, explicitly state that they never use high fructose corn syrup.

What are the key ingredients in Redd's Wicked Apple?

Redd's Wicked Apple includes water, corn syrup (dextrose), barley malt, yeast, hop extract, sucrose, citric acid, and natural flavors, but not high fructose corn syrup.

Is the corn syrup used by Redd's healthier than HFCS?

The corn syrup (dextrose) used by Redd's is fermented by yeast and removed from the final product. As for the final added sucrose, different sugars have different metabolic effects, and health considerations vary by individual.

Does the use of corn syrup in brewing affect the final flavor?

The use of corn syrup (dextrose) in brewing primarily serves as a food source for yeast. The final flavor is largely determined by the natural flavors, sucrose, and other ingredients added after fermentation.