Which Grape Jelly Does Not Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, high fructose corn syrup is a common ingredient in many processed foods, including traditional jellies. For those seeking alternatives, there are several brands of grape jelly that do not have high fructose corn syrup and instead use more natural sweeteners, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup, using natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey. Popular choices include Welch's Natural, Smucker's Natural, and Bonne Maman, with other options available for low-sugar and organic diets. This article reviews different brands and alternatives for a healthier choice.

Key Points

• Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread: This specific product line from Welch's does not contain high fructose corn syrup and is made with cane sugar instead.

• Smucker's Natural Line: The 'Natural' fruit spread range from Smucker's avoids HFCS, providing consumers with a cleaner ingredient list and other options like low-sugar versions.

• Gourmet and Organic Alternatives: Brands like Bonne Maman and Crofter's Organic offer HFCS-free grape spreads, with the former using Muscat grapes and the latter adhering to organic standards.

• Scrutinize Labels: The most reliable method to ensure a product is HFCS-free is to carefully read the ingredient list, as 'natural' labeling can sometimes be misleading.

• Understand Brand Specifics: Different product lines from the same brand, such as Welch's standard versus 'Natural' spreads, have different ingredients. Do not assume all products from one brand are HFCS-free.

• DIY and Specialty Brands: For complete control over ingredients, making homemade jelly or exploring specialty brands with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol is an option.

Brands Offering Grape Jelly Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

Finding a grape jelly that fits your dietary needs can be simple if you know what to look for. Several brands have responded to consumer demand for products without high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), opting instead for cane sugar, fruit juice, or alternative sweeteners. Here are some of the most prominent brands:

Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread

Welch's offers a 'Natural' version of its classic grape spread that explicitly states it contains no high fructose corn syrup. The ingredients are simple: concord grapes, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, and fruit pectin. This option provides the familiar Welch's taste without the added HFCS, making it a popular choice for families who want a healthier alternative for their PB&Js.

Smucker's Natural Fruit Spreads

Smucker's Natural line of fruit spreads, including the Concord Grape flavor, is made with natural ingredients and contains no HFCS. Their natural spreads are made with fruit juice concentrate and other simple ingredients. The company also offers low-sugar and sugar-free options that use alternative sweeteners, providing a variety of choices for different dietary restrictions.

Bonne Maman Muscat Grape Jelly

For a gourmet option, Bonne Maman offers a Muscat Grape Jelly that contains no HFCS. This jelly is made from high-quality Muscat grapes and is known for its rich flavor profile. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a different, more sophisticated grape jelly experience.

Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Spread

Crofter's is a brand dedicated to organic spreads. Their Organic Concord Grape Spread is made with organic concord grape puree and sweetened with organic cane sugar, not HFCS. This spread is a good option for those who prioritize organic and non-GMO ingredients in their food.

Specialty and Home-made Alternatives

Beyond major brands, smaller companies and health-focused markets often carry specialty grape spreads without HFCS. Brands like Good Good offer keto-friendly, no-added-sugar grape jelly sweetened with stevia and erythritol. Another option is to make your own grape jelly at home, which gives you complete control over the ingredients and sweeteners used, such as honey, agave, or stevia.

Comparison of Grape Jellies without High Fructose Corn Syrup

Feature	Welch's Natural	Smucker's Natural	Bonne Maman Muscat	Crofter's Organic
Primary Sweetener	Cane Sugar	Sugar	Sugar, Brown Cane Sugar	Organic Cane Sugar
Key Ingredient	Concord Grapes	Concord Grapes	Muscat Grapes	Organic Concord Grapes
Certifications	Non-GMO	Natural	No Additives	Organic, Non-GMO
Texture	Smooth	Smooth	Smooth	Velvety Smooth (from grape skins)
Availability	Widely available	Widely available	Specialty grocers	Natural food stores
Taste Profile	Classic grape	Balanced grape	Rich, complex grape	Extra grape-y

Why Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is a synthetic sweetener derived from corn starch that has been linked to potential health concerns when consumed in large quantities. It is known for being inexpensive and very sweet, which makes it a popular choice for many food manufacturers. Many consumers choose to avoid it for several reasons:

• Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that high intake of HFCS may be linked to metabolic issues, such as increased risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
• Nutritional Value: It provides empty calories with no nutritional benefits. By choosing products with natural sweeteners or fruit juice, consumers get a more wholesome product.
• Flavor Profile: Many believe that jellies sweetened with sugar or other natural alternatives offer a more authentic and less cloyingly sweet fruit flavor.

Reading Labels to Find HFCS-Free Jelly

When shopping for grape jelly, always read the ingredient label to ensure it doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup. Here are some terms to look for:

• Look for 'Natural' or 'Organic' labels: These are often a good indicator that the product avoids HFCS, but always confirm by checking the ingredient list.
• Check the ingredients list: Specifically look for ingredients like 'cane sugar', 'fruit juice concentrate', 'organic sugar', or 'honey' as the sweetener. Avoid any product with 'high fructose corn syrup' listed.
• Consider 'Spreads' or 'Preserves': While 'jelly' specifically refers to a clear, juice-based product, spreads and preserves can sometimes have fewer added sweeteners and more whole fruit. Always read the ingredients list to be sure.

Conclusion

Finding grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup is easier than ever, thanks to brands like Welch's, Smucker's, Bonne Maman, and Crofter's offering natural and organic alternatives. Whether you're seeking a classic taste or an organic option, there are numerous products available to help you make a healthier choice for your pantry. By reading labels and understanding your sweetener options, you can enjoy the classic flavor of grape jelly without the concern of added high fructose corn syrup.

What to look for when buying grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup:

• Check the Ingredient List: This is the most reliable way to confirm the product's contents. Look for cane sugar, fruit juice, or other natural sweeteners instead of HFCS.
• Look for 'Natural' and 'Organic' Lines: Many brands produce separate lines specifically to address the demand for cleaner ingredients.
• Be Mindful of 'Reduced Sugar' Options: Some low-sugar products may replace sugar with artificial sweeteners like Splenda, so check the label for alternative ingredients.
• Consider Making Your Own: For complete control, DIY jelly is a simple process using grapes, a thickener like pectin, and your preferred sweetener.
• Research Brand Specifics: Some brands, like Welch's, have different ingredient lists for their 'Natural' spread versus their regular jelly, so read carefully.
• Look for 'No Added Sugar' Products: Brands like Good Good offer grape jelly sweetened with stevia and erythritol, suitable for low-carb or keto diets.

Keypoints:

• Welch's Natural Spread: Welch's offers a specific 'Natural' version of its grape spread that contains no high fructose corn syrup, using cane sugar instead.
• Smucker's Natural Line: The Smucker's 'Natural' fruit spreads are made without HFCS, offering a cleaner ingredient list with options for reduced or no sugar.
• Gourmet Option: Bonne Maman makes a high-quality Muscat Grape Jelly without HFCS, known for its rich and nuanced flavor profile.
• Organic Choice: Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Spread uses organic ingredients and avoids HFCS, catering to the organic and natural food market.
• Read Labels Carefully: The only surefire way to avoid HFCS is to scrutinize the ingredient list on any product you consider purchasing.
• Understand Brand Variations: Even within the same company, different product lines can have different ingredient compositions, so a 'Natural' product from a brand might not reflect the ingredients of their standard jelly.
• Consider Natural Sweeteners: For the most control, making your own jelly or opting for specialty brands that use honey, stevia, or other natural sweeteners is a great option.

Faqs:

• Question: Which brand of grape jelly has no high fructose corn syrup? Answer: Several brands offer grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup, including Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread, Smucker's Natural Fruit Spreads, Bonne Maman Muscat Grape Jelly, and Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Spread.
• Question: Is Welch's Natural Grape Spread healthier than regular Welch's grape jelly? Answer: Yes, Welch's Natural Grape Spread is generally considered healthier by consumers because it is made without high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or colors, using cane sugar as a sweetener instead.
• Question: What's the difference between grape jelly and grape jam regarding high fructose corn syrup? Answer: The primary difference is the fruit content (jelly uses juice, jam uses fruit pulp), not the sweetener. Both jelly and jam can contain high fructose corn syrup, so it is always necessary to check the ingredient list regardless of whether it is labeled jelly or jam.
• Question: Are organic grape jellies always free of high fructose corn syrup? Answer: Organic grape jellies, like Crofter's Organic, are typically free of HFCS as organic standards often restrict such ingredients. However, it is always best to read the label to ensure no HFCS has been added.
• Question: Can I make my own grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup? Answer: Yes, making homemade grape jelly is a great way to control ingredients and avoid HFCS. You can use natural sweeteners like sugar, honey, or even fruit juice to sweeten it and pectin to thicken.
• Question: How can I identify high fructose corn syrup on a product label? Answer: High fructose corn syrup will be listed explicitly in the ingredients list, often near the top of the list, indicating a high concentration. Look for the exact phrase "high fructose corn syrup".
• Question: Are all natural fruit spreads free of high fructose corn syrup? Answer: Most natural fruit spreads are free of high fructose corn syrup, but the term 'natural' can be loosely regulated. Always verify by reading the ingredients list to be certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand of grape jelly has no high fructose corn syrup?

Several brands offer grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup, including Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread, Smucker's Natural Fruit Spreads, Bonne Maman Muscat Grape Jelly, and Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Spread.

Is Welch's Natural Grape Spread healthier than regular Welch's grape jelly?

Yes, Welch's Natural Grape Spread is generally considered healthier by consumers because it is made without high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or colors, using cane sugar as a sweetener instead.

What's the difference between grape jelly and grape jam regarding high fructose corn syrup?

The primary difference is the fruit content (jelly uses juice, jam uses fruit pulp), not the sweetener. Both jelly and jam can contain high fructose corn syrup, so it is always necessary to check the ingredient list regardless of whether it is labeled jelly or jam.

Are organic grape jellies always free of high fructose corn syrup?

Organic grape jellies, like Crofter's Organic, are typically free of HFCS as organic standards often restrict such ingredients. However, it is always best to read the label to ensure no HFCS has been added.

Can I make my own grape jelly without high fructose corn syrup?

Yes, making homemade grape jelly is a great way to control ingredients and avoid HFCS. You can use natural sweeteners like sugar, honey, or even fruit juice to sweeten it and pectin to thicken.

How can I identify high fructose corn syrup on a product label?

High fructose corn syrup will be listed explicitly in the ingredients list, often near the top of the list, indicating a high concentration. Look for the exact phrase "high fructose corn syrup".

Are all natural fruit spreads free of high fructose corn syrup?

Most natural fruit spreads are free of high fructose corn syrup, but the term 'natural' can be loosely regulated. Always verify by reading the ingredients list to be certain.