Tag: Sugar vs corn syrup

Over 41% of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) use in the United States goes to the beverage industry, leading many to wonder, do all sodas have corn syrup? The simple answer is no, though it is a common ingredient, particularly in many traditional American soft drinks.

Since the mid-1980s, the recipe for many beverages, including classic Pepsi in the United States, has included high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This shift from cane sugar was driven primarily by cost-effectiveness. However, the answer to the question, "Is Pepsi made with corn syrup?" is not a simple yes, as ingredient lists vary significantly by country.

For years, high-fructose corn syrup has been demonized as a primary driver of the obesity epidemic, while table sugar was often perceived as a lesser evil. However, according to a broad consensus among health experts, the difference between these two common sweeteners is far less significant than popular belief suggests.

According to USDA data, the US consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) peaked in 1999, coinciding with its replacement of sugar as the dominant sweetener in sodas. So, why do sodas use corn syrup instead of sugar? The primary motivations include lower costs driven by agricultural policies, enhanced functional properties, and efficient handling for large-scale manufacturing.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a common sweetener in the food industry. Many popular soft drinks use it. The presence of corn syrup in soda varies, depending on the brand and country of origin. Consumer preferences are driving companies to offer alternatives.

According to the American Heart Association, most Americans consume far more added sugar than is recommended, with high-fructose corn syrup being a major contributor. The question of whether corn syrup is healthy or unhealthy is complex, involving different types of the sweetener and their metabolic impacts.