Yes, there is such a thing as organic corn syrup. Organic corn syrup is made from organic corn that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The production process also does not involve any chemical modifications or genetic engineering.
What is corn syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. Through a process called wet milling, corn kernels are separated into starch, protein, germ and fiber components. The starch goes through additional processing and enzymatic reactions to break it down into glucose syrup which is mostly maltose and higher sugars.
There are different grades of corn syrup depending on the extent to which it has been processed:
- Corn syrup – contains some higher sugars like maltose
- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – contains more fructose, produced by introducing enzymes to further break down glucose into fructose
- Glucose syrup – almost entirely glucose, produced by complete hydrolysis of corn syrup
The most commonly used form of corn syrup is high fructose corn syrup, which is widely used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages.
What makes corn syrup organic?
For corn syrup to be considered organic, it must be made from organic corn and undergo only certain types of processing according to USDA organic regulations. Here are some key requirements:
- The corn used must be certified organic – grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers for at least 3 years.
- Extraction processes are limited to physical, enzymatic or microbial methods only. No harsh chemicals can be used.
- Genetic engineering is prohibited. The corn crop cannot be genetically modified.
- Ingredients, processing aids and additives must be certified organic if commercially available.
- Rigorous record keeping and processes must be followed to prevent mixing with non-organic ingredients.
- Facilities must be certified organic by a USDA-accredited certifying agency and inspected annually.
Meeting these specifications ensures the organic integrity is maintained from farm to finished product.
How is organic corn syrup made?
Organic corn syrup is made in the same basic way as conventional corn syrup, but using certified organic corn as the starting material. Here is an overview of the production process:
- Organic corn kernels are steeped in water to begin breaking down the starches.
- The corn slurry goes through extraction and separation to isolate the starch.
- Enzymes are added to the starch solution to break down the starch into glucose syrup through hydrolysis.
- The glucose syrup may be further processed with enzymes to increase the fructose content.
- Impurities are filtered out to produce the final organic corn syrup or organic corn syrup solids.
Extra care must be taken to use only organically approved ingredients and processing aids and prevent contamination at each step.
Is organic corn syrup healthier than regular corn syrup?
There is much debate around whether organic corn syrup is healthier or more nutritious than conventional corn syrup. Here are some key considerations:
- Sugar content: The types (glucose, maltose, fructose) and amounts of sugars are the same. The organic designation does not change the carbohydrate composition.
- Pesticides: Organic corn syrup will not contain pesticide residues, which some consumers wish to avoid.
- GMOs: Organic regulations prohibit GMOs, so organic corn syrup does not contain genetically engineered ingredients.
- Nutrients: Small differences may exist, but nothing major. One study found organic corn had slightly higher protein content.
- Processing aids: Organic regulations restrict certain chemicals used in processing and filtration. Whether this impacts the final product is unclear.
Overall, while the organic label ensures no GMOs, pesticides or synthetic processing aids, the actual nutritional composition and calorie content are practically identical between organic and regular corn syrup.
Is organic corn syrup less processed?
Organic corn syrup undergoes very similar manufacturing processes as conventional corn syrup. The main difference lies in the organic regulations around what can and cannot be used during processing.
Steps like milling, liquefaction, saccharification, filtration and concentration are done using physical, enzymatic or microbiological methods for both organic and regular corn syrup. So the level of “processing” is comparable.
The key distinguishing factor is organic corn syrup exclusively uses organic-approved ingredients and processing aids. But the end product remains a highly processed industrial sweetener, regardless of organic status.
Does organic corn syrup taste different?
Most sources indicate there is little to no taste difference between organic and non-organic corn syrup. They are both glucose-based sweeteners produced through similar enzymatic processes.
However, very sensitive taste buds may be able to detect subtle flavor differences. Factors that could potentially contribute to minor differences include:
- – Variations in the corn strains used
- – Use of different enzymes in processing
- – Absence of pesticide residues
- – Possible retention of more subtle corn flavors
But for the majority of consumers, organic and conventional corn syrup taste very similar. The average person is unlikely to distinguish them in a blind taste test.
Is organic corn syrup more expensive?
Yes, organic corn syrup tends to cost more than conventional corn syrup. Reasons for the price premium include:
- – Higher costs to grow organic corn
- – Organic certification requirements
- – Segregation to keep organic product separate
- – Relatively low supply and demand
- – Perception as a “premium” product
The price difference depends on the manufacturer, where you purchase it, and market conditions. But expect to pay at least 25-50% more for certified organic corn syrup compared to conventional.
Where can you buy organic corn syrup?
Organic corn syrup can be purchased from some mainstream grocery stores, natural food stores, co-ops, online retailers and direct from manufacturers. Some sources to look for organic corn syrup include:
- – Natural food sections of grocery stores
- – Whole Foods and similar natural grocers
- – Amazon, Vitacost, Walmart online
- – Food co-ops and health food stores
- – Online at Anthony’s, NOW Foods, Bob’s Red Mill
- – Wholesale distributors like Organic Valley, GloryBee
Be sure to look for “organic” on the label and the USDA organic seal. Also check the ingredient list to ensure it only contains organic corn products.
What’s the difference between organic and natural corn syrup?
“Natural” corn syrup simply means minimal processing – no artificial ingredients are added. But “natural” is not a regulated term. The corn itself may still be conventionally grown with pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers.
“Organic” corn syrup means the corn is certified organic and the product abides by national organic standards overseen by the USDA. This ensures no GMOs, chemicals or synthetic additives were used.
So while natural corn syrup sounds appealing, certified organic corn syrup provides verified standards for more sustainable, eco-friendly agricultural practices behind the sweetener.
Is organic corn syrup better for baking?
Most sources indicate organic and conventional corn syrup can be used interchangeably in recipes without issue. The physical properties are essentially identical.
Possible exceptions could occur with very delicate baked goods where subtle flavor nuances are important. Theoretically, organic corn syrup may provide cleaner, more delicate sweetness. But for most baking uses, regular and organic corn syrup yield similar results.
The higher price of organic corn syrup may be the biggest consideration for bakers. Organic works fine in recipes, but likely isn’t necessary for home baking projects unless it’s important to the baker to use organic ingredients.
Can you replace regular corn syrup with organic?
Yes, you can swap organic corn syrup into any recipe that calls for conventional corn syrup. The amounts can be directly replaced tablespoon for tablespoon.
However, keep in mind that results may differ slightly since organic corn syrup has a cleaner flavor profile. The more neutral, delicate sweetness may change the flavor if very sensitive palates are tasting the final dish.
But for the vast majority of recipes, organic corn syrup can be used in place of regular corn syrup without any major adjustments or allowances needed.
Conclusion
Organic corn syrup provides all the sweetness of conventional corn syrup but is made from certified organic corn grown sustainably without synthetic pesticides or GMOs. While very similar in chemical composition and taste, organic corn syrup offers peace of mind for consumers who wish to avoid pesticides and genetically modified ingredients. With proper sourcing and handling, organic corn syrup can be used in place of regular corn syrup in recipes without impacting results.
