In this blog we are going to tell you about Difference Between Sugar and Corn Syrup, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information.

Sugar and Corn Syrup are two forms of sweeteners that are used by people to provide extra flavor to food and beverages. Both sugar and corn syrup can impact the diet and weight of a person. This is the reason that people consume sweets or use these forms of sweeteners as it provides a pleasant taste and quick energy. But many people wonder whether they are the same and can be used in each other’s place. So in this article, we will tell you more about sugar and corn syrup and how they differ from each other so that you can decide whether you should use them interchangeably or not.

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What is Sugar?

Sugar which is also known as table sugar or sucrose is manufactured from sugarcane or sugar beets. There are many known variants of sugar that include color-refined sugar, white sugar, and brown sugar. It is a natural and direct product that is considered a traditional sweetener. It is crystallized when cooked so it is used in cooking as well as in baked products. In terms of chemical structure, sugar is a disaccharide which means two simple sugars are linked together. Some sugars can also be found in fruits and vegetables but have a lower concentration. Sugar is also known for its important subdivision of carbohydrates. They are varieties of sugar that you can find easily as it is labeled on their products. 

What is Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup is a modern alternative to sugar and is used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. Sugar has received negative feedback in terms of health because of its bad effects on the body and weight. On the other hand, corn syrup originates from corn and is a processed product. It is prepared from corn which is turned into cornstarch and finally processed into a syrup. It is converted into syrup with the help of two enzymes in its production. Besides being a sweetener and flavor enhancer, corn syrup also works in providing volume and softness. It also works as a thickener and retains moisture. It resists crystallization and enhances the shelf life of the products in which it is formulated. It can have light or dark color. It is mainly derived from high fructose corn syrup which is a controversial substitute. Corn syrup is made of polysaccharides in comparison to sugar which is a disaccharide. Since corn syrup is made from starch which is a complex sugar, its chemical bonding is distinct and includes more molecules of sugar. 

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Main Differences Between Sugar and Corn Syrup

The following are the main differences between sugar and corn syrup as mentioned below:

• Sugar is also known as table sugar or sucrose which is made from sugarcane or sugar beets whereas corn syrup is made from corn. 

• Besides being a sweetener and flavor enhancer, corn syrup has multi-functions in comparison to sugar. Corn syrup adds volume, softens the food, and acts as a thickener and humectant which means it retains moisture. Corn syrup also extends the shelf life of the foods in which it is incorporated but this is not the same with sugar. 

• Sugar is a natural product that naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, corn syrup undergoes a lot of processes and is chemically changed into cornstarch which in turn becomes corn syrup with the help of two enzymes. 

• Sugar is classified as a disaccharide which means it has two molecules whereas corn syrup is a polysaccharide which means it has many molecules. 

• Sugar is known in two variants that include brown sugar and white sugar whereas corn syrup is classified as light or dark. 

The final words

Both sugar and corn syrup are sweetness and flavor enhancers that are used in cooking and baking foods. Both are known as foods that have plenty of calories but no nutritional value. Sugar is used as a traditional sweetener until the introduction of corn syrup which is now extensively used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. So in terms of benefits, corn syrup has more advantages than sugar. We hope that this article was helpful and you have got the differences between sugar and corn syrup.

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We Hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about Difference Between Sugar and Corn Syrup. Thanks for reading this blog.