High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch. It’s often used in processed foods and beverages as a cheaper alternative to sugar.
It can be considered a hidden sugar. Many food labels don’t explicitly list “sugar” but instead list ingredients that contain high-fructose corn syrup, making it harder for consumers to identify and track their sugar intake.
While HFCS is chemically similar to table sugar, some studies suggest that it may have different metabolic effects on the body, potentially contributing to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
This information was provided by Gemini AI, a digital mind and language model.