Understanding Corn Syrup in Confectionery
Before exploring corn syrup-free options, it is helpful to understand why this ingredient is so prevalent. Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch, composed primarily of glucose. It is distinct from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which undergoes further processing to increase its sweetness. In candy making, corn syrup serves a few key purposes:
- Prevents Crystallization: It helps control the formation of sugar crystals, ensuring a smooth texture in caramel, fudge, and other confections.
- Adds Pliability and Softness: Corn syrup keeps candies soft and chewy, extending their shelf life.
- Provides Gloss and Sheen: It contributes a desirable glossy appearance to products like hard candies and frostings.
For those who prefer to avoid it for health or ingredient-transparency reasons, the good news is that many brands have successfully created delicious confections using alternative methods and sweeteners.
Brands That Don't Use Corn Syrup
As consumer demand for transparent ingredient lists has grown, many confectioners, both large and small, have introduced corn syrup-free options. Here is a list of brands to look for:
- YumEarth: This brand specializes in organic, allergy-friendly candies and offers a wide range of products, including gummies, lollipops, and chewy fruit snacks, without corn syrup.
- Hu Chocolate: Known for its paleo-friendly and clean-ingredient approach, Hu creates chocolate bars and gems free from corn syrup, along with other common additives.
- UNREAL: This company crafts chocolate candies, such as chocolate gems and caramel peanut nougat bars, using non-GMO, organic ingredients and no corn syrup or sugar alcohols.
- Cocomels: As the name suggests, Cocomels creates coconut milk caramels that are dairy-free and corn syrup-free, relying on organic coconut milk and coconut sugar for their rich flavor.
- SmartSweets: This brand produces low-sugar gummy candies, like Sweet Fish and Sourmelon Bites, sweetened with ingredients like allulose, monk fruit, and stevia instead of corn syrup.
- Heaven & Earth: Their taffy is made with natural colors and flavors, specifically formulated without high-fructose corn syrup.
- Southern Caramel: These gourmet caramels are handcrafted and boast a rich, buttery flavor without the use of corn syrup.
- Sparko Sweets: The brand offers natural honeycomb and honey lollipops crafted in the USA with no corn syrup or artificial ingredients.
Homemade Candy Alternatives
For those who enjoy complete control over their ingredients, making candy at home is a rewarding option. Many recipes demonstrate how to achieve the desired texture without relying on corn syrup. Common alternatives and techniques include:
- Pure Cane Sugar: For hard candy, using pure sugar with water and a small amount of cream of tartar can prevent crystallization.
- Brown Rice Syrup: This can be a useful alternative in recipes like homemade hard candy, contributing a sweet, slightly malty flavor.
- Honey and Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can be used in recipes for hard candies and caramels. For instance, single-ingredient maple candies can be made by boiling pure maple syrup to a specific temperature.
- No-Cook Methods: Simple, no-cook candies like Paleo holiday candy can be made with coconut butter, cacao, and stevia.
Comparison of Candies with and without Corn Syrup
| Feature | Conventional Candy (with Corn Syrup) | Clean-Label Candy (without Corn Syrup) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and sugar. | Cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, or alternative sweeteners like allulose and stevia. |
| Texture | Generally very soft, chewy, and pliable due to corn syrup's properties. | Can vary more widely depending on the alternative sweetener used; textures can be chewy, firm, or brittle. |
| Flavor | Often very sweet and uniform. | Flavor profiles can be more complex, with notes from honey, maple, or coconut sugar. |
| Ingredients | Often includes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. | Tend to focus on natural, organic, and transparently sourced ingredients. |
| Price | Generally more budget-friendly and widely available. | Can be more expensive due to higher-quality or specialty ingredients. |
Tips for Finding Corn Syrup-Free Candies in Stores
When navigating the candy aisle, follow these tips to confidently find products without corn syrup:
- Read the Ingredients List: The most direct method is to check the label for “corn syrup” or “high-fructose corn syrup.” Be aware that “glucose syrup” can sometimes refer to corn-derived products, but may also come from other sources like tapioca or wheat.
- Look for “Organic” or “Natural” Labels: While not a guarantee, organic and natural brands are more likely to use alternative sweeteners and avoid corn syrup. Brands like YumEarth and Hu are good starting points.
- Check Specialty Sections: Many health food stores, or the dedicated 'natural and organic' section of larger supermarkets, stock brands that cater to specific dietary preferences, including corn syrup avoidance.
- Use Product Finder Apps: Apps like Fig App allow you to scan products and filter for specific ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup.
Conclusion
Finding delicious candy that doesn't have corn syrup is easier than ever, thanks to a growing market of brands committed to cleaner ingredient lists. From popular brands like YumEarth and Hu to smaller artisan companies like Southern Caramel, consumers can choose from a wide range of sweets, including gummies, chocolate, and hard candies. Whether opting for a store-bought treat or crafting a simple, homemade confection with alternatives like honey or cane sugar, it is entirely possible to satisfy your sweet tooth without corn syrup. As always, a quick check of the ingredient label is the most reliable way to make an informed choice.
