Are you a fan of M&M’s? Do you ever wonder what ingredients are in these colorful chocolate candies?
One ingredient that has been a topic of controversy in the food industry is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Many people are concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming this sweetener.
So, the question remains: do M&M’s contain high fructose corn syrup?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in M&M’s and explore whether or not they contain HFCS. Get ready to satisfy your curiosity and learn more about the candy that has been a favorite for generations.
Do M&M’s Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup?
After conducting research and analyzing the ingredients list on the packaging of M&M’s, it has been determined that these chocolate candies do not contain high fructose corn syrup.
Instead, M&M’s are made with sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, and other ingredients such as cocoa butter and milkfat. While corn syrup is listed as an ingredient, it is not the same as high fructose corn syrup.
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It has been linked to various health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
However, corn syrup is a different type of sweetener that is made from corn starch. It is not considered to be as harmful as high fructose corn syrup and is used in many food products as a sweetener and thickening agent.
What Are M&M’s Made Of?
M&M’s are made of a variety of ingredients, including sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, cocoa butter, milkfat, and various artificial colors and flavors. The exact recipe for M&M’s is a closely guarded secret, but the company has stated that the chocolate centers are made from a mixture of sugar and cocoa powder.
While M&M’s do contain corn syrup as an ingredient, it is not the same as high fructose corn syrup. Corn syrup is often used in candy making as a sweetener and to help prevent crystallization of sugar.
In addition to the ingredients listed above, M&M’s may also contain other additives such as emulsifiers and stabilizers to help improve texture and shelf life. However, the company has stated that they do not use any artificial preservatives in their products.
The Controversy Surrounding High Fructose Corn Syrup
The use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in food products has been a topic of controversy for many years. Some argue that HFCS is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic, while others claim that it is no different than other types of sugar.
The debate was sparked by a 2004 study that analyzed 30 years of data and suggested that the consumption of HFCS had increased more than 1,000 percent in that time period, far exceeding changes in intake of any other food. This led to concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming HFCS.
Research has shown that excessive consumption of HFCS can lead to serious health problems, such as fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. One study found that drinking sucrose-sweetened soda for six months significantly increased liver fat compared to drinking milk, diet soda, or water. Another study found that fructose can increase liver fat to a greater extent than equal amounts of glucose.
Opponents of HFCS argue that it is used in a lot of foods, often without calling much attention to it. Even packaged foods labeled as low-fat often use HFCS to compensate for the flavor lost when reducing the fat content. In terms of nutrient density, HFCS and other sugars are very nutrient poor and energy-rich. That energy is converted to fat in the body when consumed in excessive amounts.
Proponents of HFCS argue that it is no different than other types of sugar and that the human body cannot tell the difference between high fructose corn syrup and sugar. They also cite research that found HFCS is no more obesity-promoting than sucrose.
Despite the controversy surrounding HFCS, it is important to note that M&M’s do not contain high fructose corn syrup. While corn syrup is listed as an ingredient, it is not the same as high fructose corn syrup and is considered to be a less harmful sweetener.
HFCS In Other Popular Candy Brands
While M&M’s may not contain high fructose corn syrup, many other popular candy brands do. For example, Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Bars, Reese’s Take 5, and Baby Ruth bars all contain HFCS. Even if you opt for HFCS-free candy, it is important to note that most candy is high in added sugar, regardless of the source.
Consuming high amounts of added sugar has been linked to various health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It’s important to be mindful of your sugar intake and choose healthier options when possible.
If you have a sweet tooth, consider opting for candies that are made with natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. You can also look for candies that are made with organic ingredients and have minimal added sugars.
In addition to high fructose corn syrup, many popular candy brands also contain other harmful ingredients such as artificial colors and preservatives. When shopping for candy, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully and choose brands that prioritize natural and organic ingredients.
Examining The Ingredients Of M&M’s
Taking a closer look at the ingredients of M&M’s, it is clear that the candy does not contain high fructose corn syrup. In fact, the main ingredient listed is sugar, which is a common sweetener in many food products.
Cornstarch and corn syrup are also included in the ingredients list. Corn syrup is not the same as high fructose corn syrup and is generally considered to be a safer alternative. It is often used as a sweetener and thickening agent in food products.
Other ingredients in M&M’s include cocoa butter and milkfat, which give the candies their creamy texture and rich flavor. These ingredients are not harmful to health when consumed in moderation.
The Sweeteners Used In M&M’s
M&M’s are made with a combination of sugar, cornstarch, and corn syrup. Sugar is a common sweetener used in many food products, while cornstarch is used as a thickening agent. Corn syrup, on the other hand, is used as a sweetener and also to help prevent crystallization in the candy shell.
It is important to note that the corn syrup used in M&M’s is not the same as high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that has been linked to various health problems. The corn syrup used in M&M’s is made from corn starch and is not considered to be as harmful.
In addition to these sweeteners, M&M’s also contain cocoa butter and milkfat, which give them their creamy texture and flavor. Overall, while M&M’s do contain sweeteners such as sugar and corn syrup, they do not contain high fructose corn syrup.
Are There Health Risks Associated With HFCS?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been linked to numerous health risks and diseases. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of HFCS and sugar can lead to inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition, excess fructose may increase the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can harm cells. HFCS consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of gout due to increased inflammation and uric acid production.
Furthermore, studies are starting to link HFCS and sugar to an increased risk of heart disease and reduced life expectancy. Meta-analyses have suggested that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is related to the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Short-term clinical trials have also shown that ingesting sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to an increase in body weight, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, triglycerides levels, and visceral fat.
HFCS is derived from cornstarch and contains more fructose than table sugar. Most high fructose corn syrups contain either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, while some may contain up to 90 percent fructose. Consumption of HFCS increased more than 1,000 percent between 1970 and 1990, far exceeding the intake changes of any other food or food group, and is a main factor in our current obesity epidemic.
