Ingredient · Updated
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Found in 22 productsSee all
Van Camp's Pork and Beans 
Ken's Steak House CAESAR DRESSING & MARINADE 
MARQUEZ BROTHERS, EL MEXICANO BRAND, DRINKABLE YOGURT, STRAWBERRY 
Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix Side Dish Twin Pack Pack Boxes 
Heinz Tomato Ketchup 
Powerade Mountain Berry Blast 
Stauffer's ANIMAL CRACKERS 
Keebler Club Crackers Original What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener derived from cornstarch. During production, corn syrup undergoes enzymatic processing to increase its fructose content, making it sweeter than regular corn syrup and comparable in sweetness to table sugar.
HFCS is commonly used in soft drinks, baked goods, and processed foods due to its sweetness and low cost. Health evidence indicates that excessive consumption of HFCS, similar to other added sugars, may be linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and increased triglyceride levels. However, moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet is generally considered acceptable by health authorities.
When you spot HFCS on a label, it's often an indicator of added sugars, which nutritionists recommend limiting in the diet to promote better health.
Commonly found in: soft drinks, baked goods, processed foods, candies, sauces, desserts
What to watch
- Excessive intake of HFCS is associated with obesity and metabolic disorders.
- High consumption can lead to elevated triglyceride levels, raising heart disease risk.
HFCS is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food products.
Research shows mixed results; some studies link HFCS to health issues when consumed in excess, while others suggest moderation minimizes risks.
HFCS is plant-derived, making it suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: High-Fructose Corn Syrup Questions and Answers · High Fructose Corn Syrup: Is it worse than sugar?
Scout's take
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. It is highly processed and can lead to increased fat accumulation. Its consumption is associated with negative health outcomes like insulin resistance.
The case against
May contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
from the analysis of Van Camp's Pork and Beans · echoed in 1 other analysisMay contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders.
from the analysis of Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix Side Dish Twin Pack Pack Boxes · echoed in 1 other analysisLinked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
from the analysis of Ball Park BURGER BUNS · echoed in 1 other analysisExcessive consumption is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
from the analysis of Wonder CLASSIC ENRICHED BUNSLinked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease due to its high fructose content.
from the analysis of Stauffer's ANIMAL CRACKERSMore from Scout's analyses
Ultra-processed sweetener linked to metabolic syndrome, liver disease, and obesity.
from the analysis of Chips Ahoy OriginalHeavily processed sweetener linked to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Added on top of multiple other sugars.
from the analysis of Oreo Frozen Ice Cream Dessert SandwichHigh fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. It is cheaper than sugar and often used in processed foods. Its high fructose content can lead to insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation.
from the analysis of Wonder CLASSIC ENRICHED BUNSAll 22 products with High Fructose Corn Syrup
Where High Fructose Corn Syrup shows up
- Cookies 6 products
- Condiments 2 products
- Crackers 2 products
- Bread 2 products
- Sugars 2 products
- Canned Foods 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without High Fructose Corn Syrup
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include High Fructose Corn Syrup, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.