For health-conscious consumers, avoiding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is essential when buying processed foods. Fortunately, finding a tasty jelly that does not have corn syrup is easier than you may think. This guide explains how to identify corn syrup-free options, highlights reputable brands, and provides a simple recipe for making your own at home.
How to Find Jelly Without Corn Syrup
The most important step to finding a corn syrup-free jelly is to become proficient in reading labels. Food manufacturers must list ingredients in descending order by weight, so pay close attention to the beginning of the list.
Reading Ingredient Lists
- Check for Corn Syrups: Look for 'high fructose corn syrup,' 'corn syrup,' 'corn syrup solids,' and similar terms. If any of these are present, the product contains corn syrup. Be aware that some products may be marketed as 'natural' but still contain added sugars or HFCS.
- Look for Alternative Sweeteners: Brands that avoid corn syrup will list alternatives. These may include cane sugar, fruit juice concentrate, honey, maple syrup, or natural, non-caloric sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose.
- Be Aware of Jelly vs. Jam vs. Preserves: Knowing the technical difference can help, even though the term 'jelly' is often used generically. Jelly is made from fruit juice and is smooth and clear, while jam is made from crushed fruit and is chunkier. Both can be made with or without corn syrup, so the label is the most important source of information. Some brands may label their low-sugar options as 'fruit spreads' to differentiate.
Top Brands Without Corn Syrup
Several brands cater to the market for healthier fruit spreads. They are typically found in the organic or natural food sections of grocery stores.
- Bonne Maman: A French brand known for its distinctive jar and checkered lid, Bonne Maman offers various preserves made with simple ingredients, typically fruit and sugar. They do not use corn syrup in their standard preserves.
- Crofter's Organic: This brand specializes in organic fruit spreads, often available in both regular and low-sugar varieties. Their ingredients lists are clean, with no corn syrup.
- Smucker's Natural: While the standard Smucker's line often contains corn syrup, the 'Natural' line uses only real sugar and has no HFCS or artificial additives. Always check the specific product label.
- St. Dalfour: This brand sweetens its spreads exclusively with fruit juice concentrate, avoiding cane sugar and corn syrup. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a lower-glycemic option.
- Polaner All Fruit: This product line is sweetened with fruit juice and contains no added sugar or corn syrup, though it is important to confirm the specific variety.
Homemade Jelly: The Best Corn Syrup-Free Option
Making homemade jelly provides complete control over your ingredients. You can use your favorite fruits and sweeten them with cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitutes. Thickening agents can also be customized.
Thickening Agents for Homemade Jelly
- Pectin: Pectin, a naturally occurring starch in fruit, is a standard gelling agent. Low-sugar or no-sugar-needed pectins are available for those who want to use less traditional sugar.
- Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin can create a set jelly texture. This is a common choice for sugar-free recipes using artificial sweeteners.
- Agar-Agar: Agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed, is a popular vegan alternative to gelatin.
Comparison Table: Standard vs. Corn-Syrup-Free Jellies
| Feature | Standard Jelly (with corn syrup) | Corn-Syrup-Free Jelly | Homemade Jelly (No Corn Syrup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener | High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup | Cane sugar, fruit juice, honey | User's choice (e.g., cane sugar, stevia) |
| Ingredient List | Often long, can include artificial flavors and colors | Typically shorter, with recognizable ingredients | Simplest list, complete control |
| Health Benefits | Few; high in added sugars, linked to health issues | Fewer added sugars, potentially lower glycemic impact | Complete control over sugar and sweetener choice |
| Taste Profile | Uniformly sweet, can have a slightly 'processed' taste | More focused on natural fruit flavor | Flavor depends on fruit and sweetener used |
| Cost | Generally the most budget-friendly option | Can be more expensive, especially organic brands | Varies; can be cost-effective for seasonal fruits |
A Simple Homemade Corn Syrup-Free Jelly Recipe
Here is a basic recipe for a mixed berry jelly, sweetened with cane sugar and thickened with pectin.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups of sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 packet of powdered pectin (specific type will determine sugar level)
Instructions:
- Wash and mash the berries in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the lemon juice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- To extract clear juice for jelly, strain the cooked berry mixture through a fine sieve or jelly bag, catching the juice in a bowl. For a jam-like texture, skip this step.
- Return the juice to the pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pectin with a small amount of sugar to prevent clumping.
- Bring the juice to a rolling boil. Whisk in the pectin-sugar mixture until dissolved.
- Add the remaining sugar and return to a full, rolling boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, skim any foam from the surface, and ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Process in a water bath canner according to standard canning procedures.
Conclusion
Finding a delicious jelly that does not have corn syrup is straightforward once you understand how to read labels. High-quality brands like Bonne Maman and St. Dalfour are easily available, but for those who want complete control over ingredients, making homemade jelly is a rewarding alternative. By prioritizing natural sweeteners and understanding the ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier, tastier spread for your toast, sandwiches, and recipes.
For more information on the effects of high fructose corn syrup on health, visit Hartford Hospital's article on the topic.
