List of Foods With High-Frutose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is the product of economic necessity. As the price of imported sugar rose in the 1970s, scientists found a way to convert cornstarch into an alternative sweetener. The end result was cheaper than regular sugar. Despite conflicting studies about its link to obesity, heart disease and diabetes, high-fructose corn syrup is now the primary sweetener used in processed foods.

Baked Goods

• High-fructose corn syrup is used to keep bread moist.

  Check the label on that loaf of bread sold at the grocery store and you'll likely see high-fructose corn syrup listed as an ingredient--even in whole-grain bread, despite its being marketed as a healthy bread. Dinner rolls, muffins, cakes and cookies also contain high-fructose corn syrup. According to the Corn Refiners Association, it helps breads and other baked goods retain moisture and brown evenly during the baking process.

Cereals

• Even bran cereals can contain high-fructose corn syrup.

  When you eat cereal for breakfast, mornings start with a dose of high-fructose corn syrup. Not only does it sweeten popular packaged cereals---like Fruit Loops, Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies---it also helps bran cereals retain moisture, in much the same way it does for bread.

Sauces and Condiments

• High-fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetening agent in ketchup.

  Condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce and Worcester sauce get their sweetness from high-fructose corn syrup. For pre-made tomato-based sauces, the syrup balances out the tartness of the tomatoes. It also helps these products--and most canned goods--keep a long shelf life.

Salad Dressings

• Pre-made salad dressings contain high-fructose corn syrup.

  Manufacturers use high-fructose corn syrup to enhance the flavor in pre-made salad dressings. Used as an oil substitute, it also reduces the fat content. For this reason, low-calorie or low-fat salad dressings tend to have more high fructose corn syrup than regular dressings.

Processed Meat

• Bacon and other processed meats increase your risk for heart disease.

  High-fructose corn syrup acts as a sweetening agent in processed meats, in the same way it does for all processed foods. A May 2010 Harvard study published in the journal "Circulation," also linked meats laden with high-fructose corn syrup (bacon, deli ham, hot dogs, sausages) to belly fat and an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Flavored Yogurt

• Yogurt is made from fermented milk.

  Plain yogurt fermented from whole milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin B and in some cases, protein. Flavored yogurt often contains an extra ingredient. High-fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten packaged yogurts---especially the low-fat variety sold in the dairy section at the grocery store.