Renamed Toxic Ingredients? The Many Names For High Fructose Corn Syrup

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP… HEALTHY? YEAH RIGHT!

We all laugh at this because we know it’s not true. But, we’re all being fooled, and we don’t even know it. Big food companies are back at it, fooling us with false advertisements to make us continue to eat unhealthy foods. One of the latest developments is that high fructose corn syrup is trying to sneak back into our diets with a subtle pseudonym. So, while we think we are cutting out this unnatural ingredient, we may actually be adding even more of it. Companies aren’t stupid (with some exceptions of course); they know they need to at least market themselves as healthy brands. This is why as you walk down the grocery aisle you’ll see “Organic” or “Natural” smeared on every package regardless of what’s really inside. Recently, some companies have stooped to the level of creating a new “healthy” sounding name for one of the dastardliest ingredients of our era. 

New Name - Same Thing

The food industry has seen a decrease in demand for foods containing HFCS and is scrambling to stay rich.  They know that consumers are looking at labels and consciously trying to steer away from anything containing HFCS...uh duhhhh. So, manufacturers came up with a sneaky way to fool customers so they can still make money. They aren’t taking the cheap, harmful problem out of their products, they’re just changing the name on packaging to conceal it. What is this clever new name you ask? Not High Fructose Corn Syrup, but rather, wait for it.... fructose syrup! (Also, sometimes as fructose corn syrup).  Sounds innocent and harmless, but it is in actuality... evil.

How is this even possible… or legal?

Well, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) argue that they have simply changed a form of HFCS called HFCS-90 (90% pure fructose) to be called fructose or fructose syrup. Manufacturers argue that fructose isn’t as bad because fructose makes up the sugar content in fruits. The “regular” termed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contains about 42-55 percent fructose. Unfortunately, this HFCS-90 that is now being dumped into products has more fructose than what was normally being used, making it a bigger health risk than regular HFCS. This is where things get evil. Products such as General Mills’ Vanilla Chex are using HFCS-90 and claim it to be free of high fructose and high fructose corn syrup. But, they will have HFCS hidden under fructose in the ingredient list.   

Protect Yourself Mark Hyman, in an article to the Huffington Post, said, “Purging [HFCS] from your diet is the single best thing you can do for your health!” Have you been tricked by these big food companies? We all are potential targets! The best way to protect yourself and your family is to inform yourself about the hidden toxins in your food. Avoid processed foods and diligently scan food labels. Remember that HFCS can be hidden behind fructose and also look out for: maize syrup, glucose syrup, fruit fructose, and crystalline fructose. These names could also contain HFCS. Instead of listening to the demands of consumers, these companies are putting more effort into hiding the truth to protect their own financial interests. What do you think? How can we best fight back against these big food companies? 

Food with surprisingly high levels of HFCS:

Some foods that you think should be safe from HFCS, may be the ones that surprise you the most.

1. Juice “Cocktails”: if they are not 100% juice, they are most likely filled with HFCS
2. Soda: you probably guessed this one but beware of those sodas that claim to be “healthy”
3. Cereal: check the ingredient every time- you’d be surprised.
4. Yogurt: go for plain and then if you want to add some Liquid Monkfruit Sweetener, fruit, etc. you know what’s being added. Flavored yogurts are often crawling with sugar and HFCS!
5. Salad Dressings: Yep. Those sneaks are trying to get into your healthy salads! Try making your own, check the ingredients, or use quality oils and vinegar: simple but so tasty!
6. Granola/Energy/Nutrition Bars: See what I mean… these companies call them “nutrition bars” and too often we just trust them! Again, check the labels and don’t get too frustrated when you find yourself making your own.

Final Thoughts:

As more people are educated about High Fructose Corn Syrup and fight against products that contain it, the more likely we are to find better and healthy alternatives! Share this article with a friend and save them from sneaky HFCS! 

Resources: 

https://www.more.com/lifestyle/exercise-health/eight-surprising-products-high-fructose-corn-syrup