High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener commonly used to enhance the flavor of foods and beverages. But a high-fructose corn syrup diet has been linked to health problems.
These include fatty liver, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, high blood sugar and an increased risk of both types of diabetes. On the other hand, cutting back on foods and drinks that contain HFCS may reduce liver fat and lower triglyceride levels.
Additionally, many foods and beverages that contain HFCS are also high in calories, highly refined oils, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors. These can all lead to weight gain, increased inflammation, and many other health problems.
If you're trying to cut back on HFCS, you should know about the controversial sweetener in common foods and beverages.
1. Breakfast food
You probably won't be surprised to learn that common breakfast sweets like pop pie contain high fructose corn syrup. However, you probably wouldn't expect savory breakfast foods to contain high fructose corn syrup.
There are even hearty breakfast dishes such as sausage, eggs and cheese frozen croissants.
2. Fruit preserves and jams
Fruit preserves and jams can be sneaky sources of added sugar, including high fructose corn syrup. Fruit preserves, including its red raspberry, strawberry, peach, and cherry compotes, are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.
Jams and jellies also contain high fructose corn syrup. Also, mixed peanut butter and jelly spreads for kids also contain high fructose corn syrup.
3. Bread and biscuits
Refined carbohydrate products, such as bread and cookies, are often made with high fructose corn syrup.
What's more, a diet high in refined carbohydrates like the ones listed above may increase your risk of certain health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Swapping refined grains for starchy vegetables and whole grains may help reduce these health risks.
4. Pancake syrup and dessert syrup
Pancake syrup and dessert syrup are very sweet, and some or all of the sweetness may come from high fructose corn syrup. Remember that pancake syrup is not the same as 100% pure maple syrup, which does not contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.
Dessert syrups, including chocolate syrup and caramel sundae syrup, are also made with high fructose corn syrup.
5. Ice Cream and Popsicles
Ice cream and popsicles are a common source of high fructose corn syrup and other added sweeteners. Keep in mind that food labels list the most heavily used ingredient first, which means that high fructose corn syrup is the second most abundant ingredient in these products.
Many ice creams are also sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, including caramel brownie moose, cookie dough, and vanilla bean.
6. Fast food
Fast food consumption has been linked to a number of health problems, including increased obesity and heart disease risk factors in both children and adults.
That's no surprise—these highly processed foods are loaded with calories, sodium, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. Some fast food menu items may contain high fructose corn syrup.
In fact, many desserts served at fast food restaurants have high fructose corn syrup added. Sweet dips that you serve with fast food like chicken nuggets may also contain high fructose corn syrup.
For example, some dips at McDonald's also contain high fructose corn syrup.
