What’s the difference between sugar and corn syrup? Though they are both sweet, there are some definite distinctions between the two. Let’s take a closer look at each one to see how they differ.
What is Sugar Syrup?
Sugar syrup is a concentrated solution of sugar in water. It is often used in baking and candy-making because it dissolves easily and prevents the crystallization of the sugar.
- Sugar syrup can be made at home by boiling equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved. The resulting syrup can be stored in a glass jar or bottle for later use.
- Commercial sugar syrups are also available, and these typically have a higher concentration of sugar than homemade syrups. Sugar syrup can be used as a sweetener in coffee or tea, or it can be added to cocktails and other beverages.
- It can also be used to make candied fruits or to coat cakes and other desserts. Sugar syrup can be made with any type of sugar, including cane sugar, beet sugar, honey, or corn syrup.
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a food syrup that is made from the starch of corn and is used as a sweetener in many foods. It is a clear, thick liquid that has a sweet, syrupy taste. Corn syrup is made by breaking down the starch into glucose, which is then purified and concentrated.
- Corn syrup has been used in food production for hundreds of years, and its popularity has grown in recent decades due to its low cost and shelf-life.
- Corn syrup is used in many processed foods, including candy, desserts, baked goods, and canned fruits. It is also sometimes used as a replacement for sugar in recipes.
- While corn syrup does not have the same nutritional value as sugar, it can be a helpful tool in moderation for people who are trying to control their calorie intake.
Difference between Sugar and Corn Syrup
Sugar and corn syrup are both commonly used sweeteners, but they differ in several ways. Sugar is a natural product made from sugarcane or sugar beets, while corn syrup is a synthetic product made from cornstarch. Sugar is sweeter than corn syrup, so less can be used to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Sugar also has a narrower range of sweetness than corn syrup, so it can be more difficult to achieve a consistent level of sweetness in recipes that call for sugar. Corn syrup is less likely to crystallize than sugar, so it is often used in candy making. Corn syrup is also less expensive than sugar, so it is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative.
Conclusion
The difference between sugar and corn syrup is that corn syrup contains high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is a type of sugar. HFCS has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Sugar is natural and does not contain any harmful chemicals like HFCS does. Corn syrup is also cheaper to produce than sugar, which is why it is often used in processed foods. If you are trying to avoid these unhealthy ingredients, be sure to check the label for corn syrup instead of sugar.
