Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. It is used as an ingredient in many processed foods and beverages. Some of the most popular corn syrup brands include Karo, Aunt Jemima, and Lyle’s Golden Syrup.
What is corn syrup?
Corn syrup is made by breaking down cornstarch into glucose molecules. It is composed mostly of glucose, with some maltose and higher sugars as well. There are two main types of corn syrup:
- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – Sweeter than regular corn syrup, HFCS has had some of its glucose converted into fructose. It is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods and drinks.
- Regular corn syrup – Not as sweet as HFCS, regular corn syrup contains no fructose. It is used mainly in baking or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
Both types of corn syrup are viscous, sweet, and provide an alternative to table sugar. They help maintain moisture and prevent crystallization in foods. Corn syrup is also valued for its ability to enhance fruit flavors in jams, jellies, canned fruits, and dairy products.
History of corn syrup
Corn syrup first came into use in the early 1900s. Chemists learned how to break down cornstarch into glucose through an enzymatic process. This discovery led to the commercial production of corn syrup as an affordable sweetener and thickener.
By the 1950s, corn syrup had become a common ingredient in numerous products. Many candy and ice cream makers switched from using cane sugar to corn syrup as it was cheaper. The development of high fructose corn syrup in the 1970s made corn syrup even more popular in soft drinks and processed foods.
Today, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup are leading sweeteners in the food industry. They can be found in thousands of grocery items such as cereals, yogurts, sauces, salad dressings, sodas, baked goods, jams, candies and more.
Major corn syrup brands
There are a handful of major brands that dominate the corn syrup market:
Karo
Karo corn syrup was introduced in 1902 and gained popularity during World War I when sugar shortages drove up demand. It is made by ACH Food Companies and comes in three varieties:
- Karo Light – Made with real vanilla and no high fructose corn syrup, Karo Light is designed for everyday use in cooking and baking.
- Karo Dark – With a more robust flavor, Karo Dark contains refiners’ syrup for dark color and rich taste.
- Karo Syrup – The original corn syrup for recipes calling for traditional Karo sweetness and flavor.
Aunt Jemima
Produced by The Quaker Oats Company, Aunt Jemima corn syrup comes in original and lite varieties. The lite syrup is 25% less sweet than regular corn syrup. Both can be used for cooking, baking and making candy or ice cream syrup.
Lyle’s Golden Syrup
Popular in the UK, Lyle’s Golden Syrup is made from 100% corn syrup. It has a pale golden color and smooth, sweet flavor. Lyle’s syrup is often used for pouring over pancakes and waffles.
Kingsford’s Corn Syrup
Manufactured by ACH Food Companies, Kingsford’s is marketed as a traditional, high-quality corn syrup. It contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial ingredients. Kingsford’s is commonly used in cooking and works well in pecan pie and custard recipes.
C&H
C&H Sugars makes a variety of corn syrup products including light, dark, no salt added, and organic varieties. Their syrups are certified Kosher and gluten-free. C&H corn syrup performs well in fudge, frosting, and candy making recipes.
Uses of corn syrup
The thick, sweet properties of corn syrup make it extremely versatile in cooking and food manufacturing. Some common uses include:
- Baking – Corn syrup helps retain moisture so baked goods stay fresh longer.
- Candy making – It prevents sugar crystallization in candies and adds gloss and texture.
- Canning and freezing – Corn syrup helps prevent fruit from floating in jams, jellies, and frozen products.
- Dairy – It improves body and flavor in items like ice cream and yogurt.
- Beverages – Corn syrup sweetens and thickens sodas, juices, and cocktail mixes.
In baked goods, corn syrup performs similarly to granulated sugar but with more moisture retention. Replace up to half the sugar called for in a recipe with corn syrup. Reduce liquids slightly to account for the syrup’s extra moisture.
High fructose corn syrup controversy
High fructose corn syrup has been controversial in recent years. While the FDA recognizes it as a safe ingredient, some health experts believe it contributes to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome when overly consumed.
Critics argue that the human body processes fructose from HFCS differently than natural sugars. Excess fructose is turned into fat, which may lead to fatty liver disease over time. There are also concerns that fructose fails to properly suppress appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin.
However, the Corn Refiners Association maintains there is no evidence of unique health risks from HFCS. They argue it is essentially equivalent to sucrose (table sugar) in composition and calories. HFCS makes up only around 5-10% of calorie intake even in high consumers.
While more research is still needed, most health experts recommend moderating intake of all added sugars, including HFCS. Reading nutrition labels and choosing whole, minimally processed foods is advised over those containing large amounts of HFCS or other sweeteners.
Nutrition facts
The nutrition profile of corn syrup can vary slightly by brand but typically contains:
- Calories: 110 calories per 2 tablespoons
- Carbohydrates: 29 grams per 2 tablespoons
- Sugars: 0 grams of fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals
Since corn syrup lacks protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it supplies only empty calories and carbohydrates. There are no complete proteins in corn syrup as it does not contain all the essential amino acids.
Making your own corn syrup
While homemade corn syrup takes more effort than just buying it pre-made, you can create your own by:
- Mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 cup cool water until dissolved.
- Heating the mixture to a boil, then simmering for 10-15 minutes until thick and gooey.
- Adding 1/2 cup sugar and simmering 5 more minutes.
- Stirring in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and cooling before use.
This easy corn syrup recipe mimics the flavor and functionality of Karo corn syrup. Just be sure to use precautions as boiling sugary mixtures can cause painful burns.
Storing corn syrup
An unopened bottle of corn syrup will stay fresh up to 2 years past the printed expiration date. Once opened, corn syrup will keep 6-8 months stored in a cool, dry place. It may develop a slightly darker color over time but this won’t affect the taste or performance. Refrigerating corn syrup can extend its shelf life slightly but is not required.
Signs that corn syrup has gone bad include mold development, a fermented smell, or a change in consistency. Discard any corn syrup that shows signs of spoilage.
Substitutes for corn syrup
In a pinch, several ingredients can stand in for corn syrup:
- Honey – Replace 1 cup corn syrup with 1 cup honey. Reduce liquids slightly to account for honey’s extra moisture.
- Maple syrup – Use 3/4 cup maple syrup for every 1 cup corn syrup called for. Maple syrup is thinner so you may need to cook recipes longer to thicken.
- Brown rice syrup – Swap 1:1 for corn syrup. Rice syrup brings a malted flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/4 cup water or other liquid from the recipe. Heat until dissolved. Works well in candies.
When choosing a corn syrup substitute, consider the flavor profile you want as each will impart its own unique tastes.
Is corn syrup gluten-free?
Yes, corn syrup is naturally gluten-free. Corn contains no gluten proteins so standard corn syrup is safe for gluten-free diets. Always double check labels though, as some flavored corn syrups may contain barley malt or other possible gluten sources.
Is corn syrup keto-friendly?
Pure corn syrup itself is not keto-friendly, as it contains 29 grams of carbohydrate and sugar per serving. However, small amounts may fit into a keto eating plan that severely restricts carbs. Limit corn syrup to a few teaspoons per recipe to keep carbohydrates low for ketosis.
Is corn syrup vegan?
Traditional corn syrup contains no animal products, so it is considered vegan. Some brands also certify their corn syrup as vegan. Be sure to check ingredient lists for dairy-based additives if following a strict vegan diet.
Conclusion
Corn syrup comes in a variety of major brands and offers a sweet, versatile way to enhance recipes. While recent controversy surrounds high fructose corn syrup, moderate intake as part of an overall healthy diet is considered safe by most experts. When used in moderation, corn syrup can add moisture, texture, and flavor to baked goods, candy, canned products, dairy foods, and beverages.
