Sunday, December 18, 2005

High fructose corn syrup in fast food

Inspired by a list maintained at Accidental Hedonist, I've compiled this list of items from popular fast food restaurants that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.

The list currently includes items containing High Fructose Corn Syrup from the following fast food restaurants: Arby's, Blimpie, Burger King, Chick-fil-a, Dairy Queen, Jack in the Box, KFC, McDonald's, Subway, Taco Bell, and Whataburger. More will be added as the data is collected.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is corn syrup that has been modified to increase the level of fructose. It has become a popular topic in the discussion of obesity in America. The reason for concern, is that HFCS consumption has increased dramatically since the 1970s when it was developed and so has obesity. It has not been proven that there is a link, but the average American consumed 39 pounds of HFCS in 1980 and 62.6 pounds in 2001.

So, if you're concerned about HFCS in fast food, now you can check the list. I hope it helps. I'm also working on gluten-free and hydrogenated oil lists for fast food.

12 comments:

Mailman said...

Thank you for making this list - I've been making a conscious choice to back off on foods with a high glycemic index only because I find they leave me hungry sooner, and corn syrup's at the top of the list. The McDonald's section is actually a bit alarming -- even the regular bun's pretty much a dessert!

Mailman said...

ps. - Your McDonald's list omits the McDonald's Catsup, which includes corn syrup.

Anonymous said...

I agree. We need to know what foods are out there that do not use HFCS. Is there such a list? If so, how can we get it?

Anonymous said...

I found another product not listed for HFCS...SoBe drinks... very popular.

Anonymous said...

FYI!

FYI!

FYI!

HFCS isnt the only thing that can not be digested look at this man made starch PHSO (parshiley hidronated soybean oil) (pardon my spelling)

Anonymous said...

I strongly agree with Jo about a list that would benefit us all. I may lack the knowledge that you most have concerning HFCS and such, but I'm educating myself with vast information of how I can help love ones with thier diets. It's hard for me to constantly look at the label and not to mention freshtrating so I may aid their daily foods they can and should eat. A list of the foods NOT containing HFCS would help tremendously!! THANKS...

Anonymous said...

Great list and comments. Nature created foods that have a natural balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, sugars, etc. All processed foods that have blown apart the essential balance of these elements are inherently flawed. So, even though it takes a bit more effort, its best to go back to basics and have a diet that focuses on organic, fresh foods. Thanks for info and interest!

Anonymous said...

It's even in Campbell's Tomato Soup!
Why?

Anonymous said...

I think it's important to note it's not just whether or not HFCS is present but how much. I am interested in reducing it in my diet but am not at the point where I want to entirely eliminate it.

Anonymous said...

I noticed several years ago that I had an incredible reaction to HFCS, I would shake and shiver and get very tired. The USA is the ONLY country to use it. I can drink 7Up in Canada or Mexico or Europe but not in the USA, I get ill.

I now realize I am a fructose malabsorber (fructmal) and I think exposure to HFCS set it off.

Our bodies didn't evolve to consume so much excess fructose. Naturally it is found in equal amounts with glucose (most of the time) and glucose transports it through the small intenstine. If you have more fructose than glucose the fructose gets absorbed in the colon and causes problems by fermenting bacteria and more.

Leslie said...

I now just assume that EVERYTHING has HFCS in it ... and work backwards from that. The FDA is absolutely trying to kill us here in the U.S. No doubt.

Anonymous said...

After having three breath test for food allergies, fructose is the culprit. Eliminating HFCS and some fruits and veges high in fructose, I lost 9 lbs in short order and stomach problems are few. Had a #6 Veggie at Jimmy John's today had a terrible episode. Most of the veggie's were low in fructose so wondering about the bread. Any help out there?