2009.02.18
The war against HFCS
www.bevreview.com
If you didn't immediately know what I meant by "HFCS," then you have been blissfully unaware of the fact that high fructose corn syrup is increasingly making the news as a dreaded ingredient to avoid at all costs. Some have accused the sweetener of contributing to the rise in diabetes and obesity in the United States.
The latest I heard was that if HFCS was one of the first five ingredients listed on a food label, you shouldn't buy or eat that food. Do you have any idea how many products in the grocery store would never make it into your basket under that rule? It's in everything from ketchup to breakfast bars to bread.
The Corn Refiners Association is, of course, fighting this negative image tooth and nail. Their Web site claims that some HFCS studies are flawed and includes this argument:
Corn sweeteners, like sugar and honey, are natural and meet the Food and Drug Administration’s policy for use of the term “natural.” Under FDA rules, “natural” means that “nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in the food.”
I guess my personal opinion is that high fructose corn syrup is OK in moderation. Same with fatty foods and alcohol and sugar. But the worst offender in the HFCS world may be sodas, and one company is taking steps, albeit temporarily, to change that. Pepsi just announced that they are going to market a "Pepsi Throwback" and a "Mountain Dew Throwback" made with real sugar instead of HFCS. Serious Eats says they will be available from April 20 to June 13. So get your real sugar while you can! Cuz after that, it's back to high fructose corn syrup.
One other note: I've bought bottled sodas at ethnic markets that I think were probably shipped in from Mexico or South America. And I want to say they are still made with real sugar. Anyone know anything about that?
I wish Coke would do this (I'm a Coke drinker). It definitely makes a difference in flavor, albeit a subtle one. And yes, sodas from Mexico usually contain sugar. That's one reason why the ethnic markets will sometimes import Coca-cola, even though it's available here.
Part of the confusion over HFCS is that people misunderstood the "high fructose" part of it. They looked at studies of the effects of pure fructose vs. sucrose and concluded that it was worse for you, and then assumed that the same applied to HFCS.
But in reality, HFCS is only about 55% fructose and 45% glucose; the "high fructose" moniker is in comparison to normal corn syrup, which has much more glucose than fructose. Meanwhile, sucrose (cane sugar) is a compound sugar composed of equal parts fructose and glucose. Since the body immediately breaks down the sucrose into its component sugars, there should be very little difference between sucrose and HFCS in terms of human metabolism. In fact, as I understand it, the whole point of using "high fructose" corn syrup as opposed to normal corn syrup is to have something that's more like sucrose.
Of course none of this "proves" that HFCS doesn't have some subtle effect on human metabolism, but I'm not aware of any studies that show a significant difference(?). In any case, I think the real problem is simply the amount of sugars in the American diet in general. I suspect we'd have just as much trouble if it was pure cane sugar being snuck into all our processed foods.
Comment by Mark — February 18, 2009 @ 11:15 am
From what I know, the problem with HFCS is that the fructose molecule behaves much differently than glucose, which our bodies easily metabolize when we consume it. Glucose consumption triggers insulin production, and then leptin is produced and sends triggers to our brain that we've eaten enough. Frustose, on the other hand, does not get metabolized and instead goes into the liver to be broken down, thereby not triggering the insulin production, and our bodies do not get the chemical trigger of being full. For what it's worth, I think there's merit to that because I've noticed when I eat a meal that has foods with HFCS in them or a soda with it, I tend to eat more food and feel less full, and I'm often feeling hungry within a couple hours. When I have a meal with HFCS-free foods and have an unsweetened tea or water with it, I eat less food and don't feel hungry for several hours. There are likely other factors involved, but I always found that interesting. Regardless, I find it laughable to call HFCS natural because it has to be refined in a fashion not disimilar to crude oil or ethanol in order to produce it. I have seen numerous studies linking HFCS to obesity and other detrimental health impacts, and I've seen a few studies showing no adverse impact. Unfortunately, the studies showing no negative impacts all seem to come from the Corn Refiners, who have a massive stake in proving their products safe to use, so I have a hard time accepting their findings when compared to medical association studies.
Comment by Other John — February 18, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Regarding real-sugar sodas, they can be found in certain other areas. I played hockey with a couple that would regularly visit family in Canada. I made sure to give them $20 before each trip so they could bring back some Coke for me. Ah, the deliciousness of real-sugar Coke...best in glass bottles.
Search the internet and you'll find a cult following for real-sugar soda. There's a place in TX, I believe, that still bottles Dr. Pepper made with sugar (they ship!). Supposedly Mexican Coke is made with sugar. And I found an article that some places get "kosher" Coke/Pepsi around certain holidays. They provided the tell-tale clues (yellow cap, kosher symbols), and noted they are sometimes hard to find as they are snapped up rather quickly.
Comment by Ed S. — February 18, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
The food police, coming to a kitchen near you real soon!!!
Comment by JOHN — February 18, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
How about the war to stay out of my life and let me live it as I see fit. What a novel idea!
Comment by JOHN — February 18, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
The studies I'm aware of (in mice) do suggest that high-fructose corn syrup may be somewhat more likely to contribute to obesity than regular table sugar (sucrose) for various reasons. But the scientific community's pretty much in agreement that it's the quantity of sugar that matters.
Personally, I view HFCS as a cheap filler ingredient and avoid products made with it because they tend to be of lower quality. I don't think it's a demon ingredient, just an unnecessary one.
Comment by Emma — February 18, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
"body immediately breaks down the sucrose into its component sugars, there should be very little difference between sucrose and HFCS in terms of human metabolism."
The difference, as I've read it, is that the body uses sucrase to break up that sucrose and the body regulates the production of sucrase to meet its needs. HFCS doesn't need to be broken down by sucrase therefore bypassing the regulation.
Comment by Brendan — February 18, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
I have to say that i dont really think hfcs or sugar is nearly to blame for our obesity issues in the us as much as we as a nation have gotten lazy, kids dont go outside to play they turn on the game system, as adult we sit in front of computers and tv. the risks of these things affecting us have always been their we have just let it catch up to us while we were napping.
i drink lots of kool aid and eat tons of sweets and mostly fast foods, not a great diet but i stay active and when i graduated high school in 1993 i weighed 117 now 2 kids and 15 years later i am only 130 but i make sure i get my hiney off the couch and get out side or wrestle with my kids, throw frisbee.. little things to keep up my metaboloism and i eat all the time which keep my metaolism going so it never slows down.
i just cant see blameing an ingredant of any kind for what we have let our selfves become.
Comment by opal — February 18, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Perhaps the real issue isn't the sweetener used. How about a serious push for "Throwback" portions. A 10oz bottle of soda seems laughable now, but "back in the day" that's how they bottled the "real sugar" coke.
Comment by __Nathan — February 18, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Also, re: sodas in other countries being made with real sugar, I'm pretty sure that the use of high fructose corn syrup is pretty limited to the US (and maybe Canada?) because it's so highly subsidized here, so soft drink companies save money by using HFCS instead of sugar. Without the subsidies, it may not make as much of a difference.
Comment by Emma — February 18, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
Sadly, the Mexican versions of Coke & Pepsi now are sweetened with corn syrup instead of cane sugar. Its on the label.
Comment by Steve Henry — February 19, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Check out this article from the Washington Post last month which states that studies have found that half of tested samples of HFCS contain mercury.
Link here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html
It's a cheap filler ingredient.
Kind of like how MSG is a cheap ingredient to add flavor to a product.
Interesting note -- when Coca Cola switched to "New Coke" back in 1985 they switched from real sugar to HFCS. When New Coke bombed and the Coca Cola company scrambled to put "Classic Coke" back on the market they stuck with using HFCS as the sweetener and have ever since.
I make a trip to North Carolina about once a month and on my way back I always stop at the Red Birch store across from Dodge Store in Martinsville on 220 and buy some glass bottles of Cheerwine, Sundrop, and Nehi products..
States on the bottle, "made with real sugar."
Tastes SO much better! With real sugar AND in glass instead of plastic bottles.
Comment by Dylan — February 19, 2009 @ 9:21 am
There is a Dr. Pepper sold in Texas thatr is made with Cane Sugar. Its amazing, and I haven't been able to stomach a HFCS Dr. Pepper since I tried the Dublin Dr. Pepper.
Comment by Rich — February 19, 2009 @ 10:47 am
Has anyone else read The Omnivore's Dilemma? It talks at length about the FDA regulation of the term "natural", which is lax at best. There are certain manufactured colorings and flavorings that certainly aren't natural, but are allowed to be labeled as such because of the very loose federal guidelines. Just had to laugh that the stance they're taking is that HFCS is "natural"....trying to capitalize on the organic trend?
Comment by Sarah — February 19, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
They call it "Mountain Dew Mouth":
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6863173&page=1
Comment by Mason — February 19, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
That's disturbing, but not at all surprising.
Mountain Dew is practially syrupy from so much sweetener.
That said, I enjoy a Mountain Dew from a fountain drink on rare occasion.
And in regards to the comment about things being natural -- yeah, I have noticed that since the organic craze began that manufacturers have begun including "natural" on lots of products.
My guess,too, was that they misleadingly want people to think the product is better for you.
Also, what exactly is "natural flavor?"
You see this listed on many food products but I can't find a concrete answer to what "natural flavor" is.
It can be in almost anything, from soft drinks to meat products, you name it.....
Comment by Dylan — February 20, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Double Cola, which used to be made in Roanoke on Patterson Avenue until the late 1980s, was made with sugar. Fans said it made for burps you'd never forget.
Comment by Ralph — February 20, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
We found the Mexican Coke that is made with real sugar at a Kroger here in the NRV, and it appears to be a normal stock item with all the other sodas from Mexico. It had been so long since I had a Coke made from sugar that I forgot how good it was, but man is it better than the HFCS Coke! It's $1.79 for a 355ml bottle, while their 2 liters are running $1.00, but it's worth it for me. Maybe it can be found in the hispanic food sections at other area Kroger stores too.
Comment by Other John — February 22, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
There are many reasons why I'm adamantly for keeping High Fructose Corn Syrup out of my body, and that it should be banned as a food additive:
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1) High Fructose Corn Syrup is much cheaper than table sugar in the United States because the Corn Refiners' Association receives heavy corn subsidies, in addition to sugar tariffs. Therefore, it has less to do in helping the farmers than in helping the industry itself make a profit.
2) High Fructose Corn Syrup can be manipulated to contain equal amounts of fructose and glucose, or even up to 80 percent fructose and 20 percent glucose. Therefore, with almost twice the fructose, the notion that High Fructose Corn Syrup is just as safe as sugar or honey is preposterous. You might argue fruit itself contains roughly a 50/50 fructose/glucose ratio, but what's also true is that fruit contains fiber, which slows down the metabolism of any kind of sugar. In contrast, High Fructose Corn Syrup is absorbed at a rapid pace.
3) Besides the general obesity/digestion anti-HFCS argument.......High Fructose Corn Syrup is also detrimental to the environment. According to a March 9, 2008 Washington Post article, David Pimentel, a professor in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has found that a combination of major subsidies for corn, as well as the fact that much of the land used for corn is not dedicated to crop rotation and also requires more pesticides and fertilizer while depleting soil nutrients, has resulted in considerable environmental damage, including an unprecedented amount of atrazine in the water in farm country: a nasty herbicide that, at concentrations as little as 0.1 part per billion, has been shown to turn male frogs into hermaphrodites.
4) It's almost impossible to consume American corn without consuming genetically-modified versions of it in the process. According to Linda Forristal of the Weston A. Price Foundation:
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"According to a food technology expert, two of the enzymes used, alpha-amylase and glucose-isomerase, are genetically modified to make them more stable. Enzymes are actually very large proteins and through genetic modification specific amino acids in the enzymes are changed or replaced so the enzyme's "backbone" won't break down or unfold. This allows the industry to get the enzymes to higher temperatures before they become unstable."
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And given that the whole rest of my family are also opposed to genetic modification of food (they eat a lot of processed food) that alone convinces me to stay away from this additive, among other things.
5) Dr. Mehmet Oz, author of You: The Owner’s Manual, says:
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"The problem is that HCFS inhibits leptin secretion, so you never get the message that you’re full. And it never shuts off gherin, so, even though you have food in your stomach, you constantly get the message that you’re hungry"
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6) Nancy Appleton, in her recent article "Fructose Is No Answer For A Sweetener" reported that High Fructose Corn Syrup "has absolutely no enzymes, vitamins, or minerals, and in order to be processed once inside the digestive tract, it must rob the body’s stores of these precious micronutrients."
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And now we've heard new reports that much High Fructose Corn Syrup is contaminated with mercury, due to being produced from chlor-alkali plants used to make caustic soda, which is particularly engineered in industrial chlorine plants. All despite the fact that there is newer, cleaner technology that these plants can use, and that only FOUR plants in the United States still use mercury while all others don't (cited on page nine of the report as 1) Olin Corporation, at two plants in Augusta, Georgia and Charleston, Tennessee, 2) Ashta Chemicals in Ashtabula, Ohio and 3) PPG Industries in New Martinsville, West Virginia). And, as we can expect from the Fraud & Death Asso......err, I mean the Food & Drug Administration......while the FDA had evidence that commercial HFCS was contaminated with mercury FOUR YEARS AGO, the agency did not inform consumers, help change industry practice or conduct additional testing.
Of course, I would advise against drinking soda regularly also, and instead use stevia as a natural sweetener, or else eat more fruits and foods with natural sugars. But I understand nonetheless many love their processed foods, so at the very least do yourself a favor and choose sugar over HFCS..........for your own long-term good.
Comment by Noah Eaton — February 27, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
It's just about time for Throwback to be on shelves.
Has anyone found this anywhere in the Roanoke area? I've checked Kroger and WalMart... with no luck.
Comment by Jason — April 23, 2009 @ 9:37 am
Jones sodas are made with cane sugar.
Comment by Debbie — April 23, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
I haven't seen them yet, Jason, but I haven't been looking specifically for that soda. I wonder when they'll be here...
Comment by Lindsey Nair — April 23, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
The Kroger in Cave Spring Corners has been known to carry Sodas with cane sugar during Passover each year in the kosher foods section.
Comment by scott — April 23, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Checked Pepsi's website to search for nearest retailers... none within 50-mile radius.
Checked with a local Pepsi delivery driver at a Krogers... he claimed Food Lion carried them... not really.
Checked with Pepsi's toll-free number... not much help either.
Roanoke might be off the Throwback radar?
Comment by Jason — April 24, 2009 @ 8:27 am
Sam's club sells cases of the Mexican Coke made with sugar in 12 ounce glass bottles.
Comment by C — May 4, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
The new Kroger in Bonsack has the Mexican Coke (12oz glass bottles) made with sugar in the ethnic/Mexican section, along with other Mexican sodas. I was tempted to buy one to share with the hubs yesterday but resisted!
Comment by Lori — May 4, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
I have seen 20 oz bottles of the Throwback Pepsi at Kmart on Hershberger, and also at the Hess-Wilco station in Vinton
Comment by Jennifer — May 5, 2009 @ 9:49 am
The Food Lion on Grandin Rd. has both the throwback Pepsi and Mountain Dew. I saw 12 pack cans of both and they also have 20 oz. bottles of both in the coolers by the checkouts.
Comment by Katherine Shaver — May 17, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
Coke makes a "mexican" coke it is made with cane sugar expect to pay under 3.00 for one bottle. They have 3 certified factories that can market it in the usa.
the throwback pepsi and mdew are made with mix of cane and beet sugars.
Comment by Shirley — May 23, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
The reason HFCS is so bad for you is as follows:
As Brenden pointed out above, Sucrose (a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose) is broken down by the enzyme sucrase, into glucose and fructose. This reaction is regulated by the body's production of sucrase. Fructose is broken down by a few liver enzymes (fructokinase, triokinase, and to some extent, aldolase B).
Since fructose is unbound in HFCS, the liver generated high levels of those enzymes. If you've seen the movie "Super Size Me", you'll notice his liver enzyme levels shot up. The doctors in the movie mistakenly attribute this to the high fat diet (They're clearly surprised that fat would do this, because it's not the fat).
Anyway, the stuff is poison and I'd recommend avoiding it.
Comment by Pete Davis — July 6, 2009 @ 1:25 pm