High-Fructose Corn Syrup
AvoidAlso known as: HFCS
A cheap liquid sweetener linked to obesity and metabolic issues when consumed in excess.
Goby Ingredient ScoreAvoid
4/100
Our rating
Avoid
Meaningful evidence of harm, or no benefit alongside a clear downside. How we rate ingredients
What is it?
HFCS is a sweetener made from corn starch processed to increase its fructose content. It is widely used in sodas and processed foods.
Is High-Fructose Corn Syrup safe?
Safe in small amounts but high intake of added sugars like HFCS is associated with weight gain, fatty liver and type 2 diabetes risk.
Commonly Found In
- Soda
- Candy
- Sweetened cereals
- Condiments
- Packaged desserts
Key Concerns
- !Strongly linked to excess added-sugar intake
- !Associated with obesity and metabolic disease
- !Empty calories
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HFCS worse than sugar?
Metabolically it is similar to table sugar, but it is concentrated in many ultra-processed foods, making overconsumption easy.