Sugar cubes
When you want something sweet, you may wonder whether sugar or corn syrup is the right taste to satisfy your craving. Although equally sweet with no discernible taste differences, sugar and corn syrup are completely different products. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Sources
Sugar is a natural product of the sugar cane plant or sugar beet. Corn syrup is highly processed, derived from corn starch that is broken down by enzymes and chemically altered.
Chemical Composition
Sugar is composed entirely of sucrose. Corn syrup is composed of glucose and fructose.
Calories
One tablespoon of white sugar contains 46 calories. One tablespoon of high-fructose corn syrup has 53 calories.
Digestion
The body processes sugar and corn syrup in the same manner. However, the fructose in corn syrup may have negative effects on insulin levels and the liver. It also has been linked to increased appetite.
Uses
Sugar and corn syrup are used interchangeably to sweeten foods, although corn syrup is used more often for drinks. In home cooking, substituting one for the other may change a dish's texture. When substituting sugar for corn syrup in a recipe, use syrup made of sugar and water for best results.
Tags: corn syrup, corn syrup, sugar corn, corn syrup, corn syrup used, sugar corn syrup