Tag: Us food policy

Over 40% of all added caloric sweeteners in the US once came from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a stark contrast to many nations. The question of why the US allows high fructose corn syrup is not a simple one, involving a confluence of factors from historical events and agricultural policies to consumer economics.

Did you know that the US government provides significant subsidies for corn, the primary ingredient in high fructose corn syrup? This long-standing economic policy, combined with a lack of definitive scientific proof distinguishing its health effects from regular table sugar, is a major factor in why isn't high fructose corn syrup banned in the US. The issue is far more complex than simple health concerns, involving economic incentives and political influence.

Following the Cuban Revolution and subsequent sugar shortages, American food manufacturers began pivoting away from expensive imported cane sugar. This dramatic shift in sweetener production was driven by a powerful combination of favorable agricultural policies and technological advances that made high fructose corn syrup a cheap, reliable alternative.

According to a recent CDC report, over half of the average American's daily calories come from ultra-processed foods. This prevalence isn't a matter of poor individual choices alone; it's the result of deeply rooted economic, technological, and societal factors that have shaped the nation's food landscape for decades.

Since the 1980s, the recipe for Coca-Cola in the United States has included high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), while the version sold in many other countries, like Mexico, uses cane sugar. This ingredient variation has led to widespread consumer confusion and the popularization of so-called 'Mexican Coke' in the U.S..

Since the 1970s, Heinz has included high fructose corn syrup in its standard ketchup formula, a switch made primarily to reduce manufacturing costs. This decision was influenced by the rising price of traditional sugar and the availability of a cheaper, domestic alternative. The move, however, has since become a point of controversy among health-conscious consumers.