Consumers are paying more attention to how much sugar is in foods than to whether it comes from sucrose or high fructose corn syrup, according to a new study by Mintel Consulting and Nielsen commissioned by the Corn Refiners Association.
Once upon a time sugar was sugar, and sugar was most definitely not good for you. So the Corn Refiners Association move to rebrand high fructose corn syrup as corn sugar is a daring move – but should do little to sweeten its reputation.
Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.
Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose
corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but
this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale
users, according to a consultant.
A US study presented last week claimed to establish a link between
high fructose corn syrup and diabetes, particularly in children -
but researchers say a compound found in tea could reduce the
effect.
Drinks giant Cadbury Schweppes is to change the labelling on its
flagship 7UP product, following a fierce debate on the validity of
new 'all natural' claims it placed on its labels just nine months
ago.
The US and Mexico have concluded an agreement under which access
will be granted for US high fructose corn syrup exports to Mexico,
a move that begins to address the decade long dispute between the
two countries.
