{"id":135325,"date":"2025-08-10T21:34:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T21:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/135325\/"},"modified":"2025-08-10T21:34:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T21:34:14","slug":"is-cane-sugar-better-than-high-fructose-corn-syrup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/135325\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Cane Sugar Better Than High Fructose Corn Syrup?"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>President Trump&#8217;s recent comments surrounding Coca-Cola&#8217;s use of high fructose corn syrup in its soda have revived debates about this sweetener compared with cane sugar.<\/li>\n<li>A doctor, dietitian, and microbiologist agree that there is little difference between the effects of these two forms of sugar on health concerns like weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Instead of choosing one over the other, experts recommend focusing on reducing the amount of added sugars in your diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> When President Trump preemptively announced that Coca-Cola would be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandwine.com\/trump-coca-cola-cane-sugar-claims-11774173\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">replacing high-fructose corn syrup<\/a> with cane sugar in its iconic soda in the United States \u2014 an assertion that was only partially true, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandwine.com\/coca-cola-confirms-cane-sugar-coke-in-us-11777580\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">previously reported<\/a> \u2014 some saw it as a health win.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> But dietitians and physicians say this isn\u2019t the nutritional miracle it\u2019s made out to be. Before you start celebrating or stocking up on cane sugar-sweetened Coke in your fridge, here\u2019s what you need to know.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  What\u2019s the difference between cane sugar, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup?\u00a0  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> These three sweeteners have some key differences in production and appearance that set them apart. Cane sugar is usually spotted on shelves as granulated white sugar, raw cane sugar, turbinado sugar, or evaporated cane juice in sugar-sweetened beverages. \u201cCane sugar is derived from sugarcane and is comprised of 50% glucose and 50% fructose molecules,\u201d explains <a href=\"https:\/\/meganmeyerphd.com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Megan Meyer, PhD<\/a>, a science communications consultant with a degree in microbiology based in Durham, North Carolina.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> As Meyer details, corn syrup, on the other hand, \u201cis made from the starch of corn kernels and is essentially 100% glucose.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> What often bewilders consumers is that high-fructose corn syrup is not the same as regular corn syrup. \u201cPeople often confuse corn syrup \u2014 what you can buy on the shelf at the grocery \u2014 with high-fructose corn syrup, which is generally used by food manufacturers,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/culinarymedicineconsulting.com\/about-2\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Leah Sarris, MBA, RD, LDN, CCMS<\/a>, chef, dietitian, and culinary medicine consultant.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Sarris details that manufacturers convert a portion of glucose in corn syrup into fructose to create high-fructose corn syrup. This process makes the syrup taste sweeter and gives it a nearly identical composition to cane sugar, consisting of roughly half glucose and half fructose.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  How does your body absorb these sweeteners?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Cane sugar, or sucrose, is made of glucose and fructose that are chemically bound together. Dr. Erika Hutz, DO, a doctor of internal medicine and geriatrician with <a href=\"http:\/\/endeavorhealth.org\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Endeavor Health<\/a>, notes that \u201cthe body must first break apart sucrose from cane sugar before absorbing its glucose and fructose components.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> High-fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, doesn\u2019t require that extra step. Instead, it \u201cdelivers free glucose and fructose directly, which may lead to faster absorption,\u201d Hutz adds.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  Is one option healthier than the other?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThe negative health concerns with eating too much corn syrup arise when any added sugar is consumed in excess. Too much sugar \u2014 of any kind \u2014 has been attributed to a variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nutrition\/php\/data-research\/added-sugars.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">health conditions<\/a> such as weight gain and obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease,\u201d says Meyer.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> While high-fructose corn syrup has long been criticized, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9551185\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">studies<\/a> comparing it with cane sugar have found little difference in its effects on weight, cholesterol, or blood pressure.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Since cane sugar has a nearly identical composition to high-fructose corn syrup, it comes with many of the same exact health concerns. Hultz explains that \u201cthough sometimes perceived as more \u2018natural,\u2019 cane sugar carries many of the same health risks as [high fructose corn syrup].\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cExcess intake of added sugars from any source can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, dental cavities, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The issue isn&#8217;t just the type of sugar \u2014 it&#8217;s how much we\u2019re consuming across the board,\u201d she points out. Sarris echoes the same sentiment, noting that most of us get far more added sugar than we need.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9551185\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Research<\/a> does suggest that high fructose corn syrup may raise levels of C-reactive protein, a marker linked to inflammation and risk of chronic disease. Because fructose is absorbed faster by the body, it may also increase strain on the liver, says Hutz. \u201cSome research suggests this could influence fat production and insulin resistance more aggressively than sucrose, though both contribute to excess calorie intake and metabolic stress when over-consumed.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>  Which types of foods and beverages contain high-fructose corn syrup in the U.S.?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> High-fructose corn syrup is used in a wide variety of food and drinks and may even be in products you have in your fridge or pantry. It\u2019s most commonly found in sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular sodas, sweetened iced teas, and certain sports drinks, fruit drinks, and energy drinks.\u00a0It\u2019s also found in some cereals, baked goods, breads, snack bars, flavored yogurts, condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce, and even in bottled salad dressings.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Why do manufacturers use high-fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> High-fructose corn syrup is more affordable, shelf-stable, and convenient than its cane sugar competitor. \u201cFrom a manufacturing standpoint, [high fructose corn syrup] is shelf-stable, consistent, and easy to transport \u2014 making it a go-to ingredient in mass production,&#8221; according to Hutz.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> She explains that corn is heavily subsidized in the U.S., making corn syrup more affordable than cane sugar, and its liquid form means it&#8217;s easier to mix into beverages and processed foods.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  What should consumers look for on nutrition labels?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Start by flipping the package over and checking the serving size. Many packaged food and beverage products contain more than one serving per container, which can be easy to miss, especially if your snack or drink comes in what looks like a single-serving package.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Next, look at the amount of added sugars listed on the nutrition label, which are different from total sugars. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-11\/DGA_FactSheet_AddedSugars_2021-06_508c.pdf\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Dietary Guidelines<\/a> for Americans recommends that less than 10% of all calories come from added sugars, whether that be corn syrup, cane sugar, or other sweeteners such as honey,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/author\/melissa-jaegermyfitnesspal-com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, Head of Nutrition<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfitnesspal.com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MyFitnessPal<\/a>. \u201cThat comes out to less than 50 grams per day of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-11\/DGA_FactSheet_AddedSugars_2021-06_508c.pdf\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">added sugar<\/a>, no matter the source or form.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Keep in mind: Not all foods that contain sugar are bad. Some foods and drinks contain naturally occurring sugar, like many dairy products or fruit and 100% fruit juices, which also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Consumption of naturally occurring sugars isn\u2019t associated with all of the same risk factors as added sugars.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  Should you choose cane sugar over high fructose corn syrup?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Meyer emphasizes that \u201cthe focus should be on reducing overall added sugar intake rather than avoiding one specific type of added sugar.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_57-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cJust because something uses \u2018natural\u2019 sugar doesn\u2019t make it better \u2014 honey, agave, [high fructose corn syrup], cane sugar \u2014 they all have a similar impact on your health. Sugar is sugar is sugar,\u201d per Sarris.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> So rather than celebrating the sugar swap in your favorite can of soda, the real win for your health would be cutting back on all forms of added sugar, no matter the source.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p> Reviewed by<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC<\/strong>: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"President Trump&#8217;s recent comments surrounding Coca-Cola&#8217;s use of high fructose corn syrup in its soda have revived debates&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":135326,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[210,1182,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-135325","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-united-states","11":"tag-unitedstates","12":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115006620488775285","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135325"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135325\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/135326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=135325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=135325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}