High-fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to table sugar.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and added sugar consumption* by age group and year. Calories of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and added sugar* from selected food and beverage groups. The Fru content in this syrup is increased by conversion of its Glc during industrial processing using glucose isomerase/ d-xylulose ketol-isomerase (EC5.3.1.5). High fructose corn syrup takes corn syrup and makes it even more processed and health-hazardous due to HFCS’s resulting high fructose content. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks. There was a trend of increased caloric intake from added sugar obtained from beverages between 1989 and 2004. High-fructose corn syrup is seriously bad for your health, but it's being added to all sorts of foods. Here are 20 foods that are often loaded with it. Corn syrup refers to a syrup containing dextrins, maltose, and dextrose that is obtained by partial hydrolysis of cornstarch while high-fructose corn syrup refers to corn syrup to which enzymes have been added to change some of the glucose into fructose, making the product sweeter than regular corn syrup. Products that contain HFCS include sodas, packaged fruits, and desserts. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sugar alternative. High-fructose corn syrup is a major source of Fru in the United States, where this pervasive sweetener is added to many industrially produced foods, including ketchup and bread. High-fructose corn syrup has been linked to many serious health issues, including today's obesity epidemic. Due to the ample supply of corn in this country, it’s expected that corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup will continue to be used extensively in consumable products. Figure 4. Here are 6 reasons why it's bad for your health. Learn more about foods that contain HFCS, and why to avoid them, here.

As use of high-fructose corn syrup has increased, so have levels of obesity and related health problems. Some wonder if there's a connection.