Nutritional Equivalencies

Fact: either slice is just as sweet

Nutritional Equals: HFCS and Sugar

HFCS was made to provide the same sweetness as sugar so that consumers would not notice a difference in sweetness or taste. That’s not the only thing these sweeteners have in common. HFCS is basically the same as sugar—both in terms of composition and in the number of calories they contain. Since HFCS and sugar are so similar, the human body absorbs them the same way.

There is widespread agreement in the scientific, medical and regulatory communities that HFCS:

Is similar in composition to sugar.
Has the same calories as sugar.
Is absorbed in your body the same way as sugar.

Nutritionally and metabolically, HFCS is the same as sugar—as affirmed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) and the American Medical Association.123

1. American Medical Association press release, June 17, 2008.

2. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Use of Nutritive and Nonnutritive Sweeteners, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2012

3. Michael Jacobson, PhD, Executive Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest, USA Today, March 2, 2010.

Recommended Resources

What's Fructose?

Fructose is a simple sugar commonly found in fruits and vegetables, as well as in added sugars like sucrose (table sugar), HFCS, honey and fruit juice concentrates. Metabolic studies confirm that fructose–whether from sucrose or HFCS–is absorbed and metabolized in comparable time frames and comparable amounts in humans.

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MINTEL STUDY:
FEWER THAN 3% OF SHOPPERS SPECIFICALLY AVOID HFCS IN 12 HIGH-VOLUME F&B CATEGORIES

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Mintel Study:
Examines Consumer Concern Across 12 Top F&B Categories

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Welcome

When it comes to sweeteners, making the right choice is critical to your brand and your bottom line.

At Corn Naturally, we'll help you make informed decisions with the latest facts on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from leading independent experts, including Mintel, Nielsen, NPD and top members and organizations of the scientific community. Come here for the tools and resources you need to make sound sweetener decisions.

How can Corn Naturally help me?

You may have specific questions and concerns related to your industry. Here's how Corn Naturally can help you find answers.

  • Are you considering a change in sweeteners used in your products? Before you act, get the facts. Find out what consumers really think about HFCS, understand the true cost of reformulation and learn the latest on sweetener science at Corn Naturally.

    For answers on the concerns facing your industry, go to the Food and Beverage Manufacturers page.

  • Wondering how the sweetener debate fits into your retail strategy? At Corn Naturally, you can see what independent, expert research and real-world data reveal about true consumer attitudes toward HFCS and actual purchasing behavior.

    For answers on the concerns facing your industry, go to the Grocery Retailers page.

  • Will adding HFCS-free products to the menu increase sales? Find out what consumers really think of HFCS and how reformulating can impact your operating costs at Corn Naturally.

    For answers on the concerns facing your industry, go to the Chain Restaurants page.