Ingredient · Updated
Fructose
Found in 19 productsSee all
W3LL People Bio Powder Foundation 
ProCaps Laboratories Psyllium Fiber & Probiotic Supplement Natural Lime 
The Ordinary - The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA( / ) 
Sprouts Market Honey Butter Ripples Great Value LIGHT GREEK VANILLA NONFAT YOGURT 
BOULDER CANYON AVOCADO OIL RIDGE CUT POTATO CHIPS Great Value Original Strawberry Banana 
alpro Growing Up Soya Drink 1-3 Years U.H.T. 4 x What is Fructose?
Fructose is a simple sugar naturally found in fruits, honey, and root vegetables. It is often extracted from sugar-rich sources such as corn to create high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is used extensively in processed foods and beverages.
Fructose is commonly used in the food industry for its sweet taste and ability to enhance food stability and texture. While small amounts in whole foods are generally considered safe, excessive intake of fructose, especially from added sugars like HFCS, has been linked to adverse health effects including insulin resistance, fatty liver, and obesity.
When you see fructose on a label, it's essential to consider its source and quantity, as it might contribute significantly to the total sugar content of processed foods.
Commonly found in: soft drinks, sweetened pastries, sauces, jams, candies
What to watch
- Excessive fructose consumption is linked to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- High intake of fructose can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Fructose can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood, potentially leading to gout.
Benefits
- Fructose has a low glycemic index compared to glucose, causing a smaller spike in blood sugar levels.
Fructose is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when consumed in acceptable amounts.
Research shows both the benefits of fructose in moderation and potential risks when consumed excessively, especially in its added form.
Fructose is derived from plant sources and is considered suitable for a vegan diet.
Sources: Fructose and health implications
Scout's take
Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation when consumed in excess. It is often used as a sweetener in processed foods. Unlike glucose, fructose is metabolized in the liver, which can lead to metabolic issues.
The case against
Excessive consumption can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, and liver fat accumulation.
from the analysis of Sprouts Market Honey Butter Ripples · echoed in 2 other analysesMay contribute to insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation when consumed in excess.
from the analysis of alpro Growing Up Soya Drink 1-3 Years U.H.T. 4 x · echoed in 2 other analysesExcessive intake may lead to metabolic syndrome and liver issues.
from the analysis of Great Value Original Strawberry Banana · echoed in 1 other analysisExcessive fructose consumption can lead to insulin resistance and increased triglyceride levels.
from the analysis of Great Value LIGHT GREEK VANILLA NONFAT YOGURTMay lead to metabolic syndrome and liver issues when consumed in large amounts.
from the analysis of Quaker Rice Cakes Chocolate Crunch 7.23 Ounce Plastic BagThe case for
Provides sweetness and energy but should be consumed in moderation.
from the analysis of alpro Growing Up Soya Drink 1-3 Years U.H.T. 4 x · echoed in 1 other analysisIt helps to maintain skin hydration and improve texture.
from the analysis of The Ordinary - The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA( / )More from Scout's analyses
Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to metabolic issues when consumed in excess. It is often added to foods for sweetness but lacks nutritional benefits. High intake is linked to insulin resistance and fatty liver disease.
from the analysis of Boulder Canyon Malt-VinegarRefined added sugar.
from the analysis of W3LL People Bio Powder FoundationFructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to sweetness but may have negative health effects when consumed in excess. It is metabolized differently than glucose, potentially leading to liver fat accumulation. It is often used in processed foods for its sweetness.
from the analysis of Great Value LIGHT GREEK VANILLA NONFAT YOGURTAll 19 products with Fructose
Where Fructose shows up
- Salty Snacks 4 products
- Protein Bars 3 products
- Snack Bars 3 products
- Milk 2 products
- Makeup 1 product
- Synbiotics 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Fructose
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Fructose, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.