Summer is here, and what better way to cool off than with a delicious shake from Sonic?
But as health-conscious consumers, we often wonder what ingredients are in our favorite treats. One ingredient that has been a topic of concern in recent years is high fructose corn syrup.
So, do Sonic shakes contain this controversial ingredient?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Sonic’s new Real Ice Cream and the changes the company has made to its toppings to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your summer indulgences.
Do Sonic Shakes Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
Sonic, America’s Drive-In, has recently introduced its new Real Ice Cream, which is creamier and more indulgent than its previous soft serve product. As part of this change, Sonic has also made improvements to the toppings of its most popular Frozen Favorites desserts, including chocolate, hot fudge, caramel, and pineapple.
One of the changes Sonic has made to its toppings is the removal or reduction of high fructose corn syrup. This controversial ingredient has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sonic’s decision to remove or reduce high fructose corn syrup from its toppings is a step in the right direction for health-conscious consumers.
However, it’s important to note that while Sonic has made changes to its toppings, the calorie, fat, and sugar content in its new Real Ice Cream are similar to the old product. For example, a regular vanilla shake now contains 461 calories and 49 grams of sugar. Using the previous soft serve recipe, the same size vanilla shake contained 470 calories and 62 grams of sugar.
Sonic is aware of the need to offer more choices for health-conscious consumers and is working on providing smaller portions in its Jr. Candy Sundae and Vanilla Cone. It’s important to remember that Sonic’s real ice cream is dispensed from a machine and not hand-scooped like other ice creams.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used in processed foods, cereals, baked goods, and soft drinks. HFCS is made by breaking down corn starch into individual glucose molecules, which are then converted into fructose using enzymes. Different formulations of HFCS contain different amounts of fructose, with the most common forms containing either 42% or 55% fructose. The rest of the HFCS is glucose and water.
HFCS has been a controversial ingredient due to its potential health risks. Some studies have linked high consumption of HFCS to obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that it is not aware of evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey.
Sonic has recently made changes to its toppings to remove or reduce high fructose corn syrup. This is a positive step for health-conscious consumers who are looking to reduce their intake of this controversial ingredient. However, it’s important to remember that HFCS is still commonly used in many other processed foods and beverages, so it’s important to read labels and be aware of the ingredients in the food we consume.
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 years. Some studies have linked the consumption of HFCS to various health issues, including liver fat accumulation, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The debate over HFCS stems from the fact that it is used in a lot of foods, often without much attention or disclosure. Even packaged foods labeled as low-fat often use HFCS to compensate for the flavor lost when reducing the fat content.
Proponents of HFCS argue that it is no different than table sugar (sucrose) and that both are composed of fructose and glucose. They cite studies that show little difference in how the body metabolizes both sweeteners. However, opponents argue that HFCS is metabolized differently than other carbohydrates due to its high fructose content, which can lead to liver fat accumulation and other health problems.
The controversy surrounding HFCS has led some food companies, including Sonic, to remove or reduce its use in their products. Sonic’s decision to remove or reduce HFCS from its toppings is a step in the right direction for health-conscious consumers. However, it’s important to note that while Sonic has made changes to its toppings, the calorie, fat, and sugar content in its new Real Ice Cream are similar to the old product.
Sonic’s New Real Ice Cream
Sonic’s new Real Ice Cream is a creamier and more indulgent version of its previous soft serve product. This new ice cream contains more milk and butterfat and is used in all of Sonic’s shakes, sundaes, and other ice cream treats. The company has also made changes to the toppings of its most popular Frozen Favorites desserts, including chocolate, hot fudge, caramel, and pineapple.
One of the most significant changes Sonic has made to its toppings is the removal or reduction of high fructose corn syrup. This ingredient has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sonic’s decision to remove or reduce high fructose corn syrup from its toppings is a positive step towards providing healthier options for its customers.
While the new Real Ice Cream is touted as being “creamy and indulgent,” it’s important to note that the calorie, fat, and sugar content in this new product is similar to the old product. For example, a regular vanilla shake now contains 461 calories and 49 grams of sugar. Using the previous soft serve recipe, the same size vanilla shake contained 470 calories and 62 grams of sugar.
Sonic is aware of the need to offer more choices for health-conscious consumers and is working on providing smaller portions in its Jr. Candy Sundae and Vanilla Cone. It’s important to remember that Sonic’s real ice cream is dispensed from a machine and not hand-scooped like other ice creams. Overall, Sonic’s new Real Ice Cream provides customers with a delicious frozen treat that is now made with more natural ingredients and without high fructose corn syrup.
Sonic’s Shake Toppings And Ingredients
Sonic offers a variety of toppings for its shakes, including hot fudge, chocolate, strawberry, caramel, and pineapple. The company has made improvements to these toppings by removing or reducing high fructose corn syrup and replacing it with less-processed sugar. This change is a positive step for health-conscious consumers who are looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup in their diet.
In addition to the toppings, Sonic offers a range of add-ins for its Sonic Blast treats, such as Snickers candies, Oreo cookies, Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, and Butterfinger candy bars. These add-ins are blended with the Real Ice Cream to create a delicious and indulgent treat.
It’s important to note that while Sonic has made improvements to its toppings and add-ins, these treats still contain high levels of calories, fat, and sugar. However, Sonic is working on providing more options for health-conscious consumers, such as smaller portions in its Jr. Candy Sundae and Vanilla Cone.
Other Options For A Healthier Summer Treat
If you’re looking for a healthier option for a summer treat, there are a few alternatives to Sonic’s Frozen Favorites. One option is to choose a smaller portion size, such as the Jr. Candy Sundae or Vanilla Cone. These options contain less ice cream and therefore fewer calories and less sugar.
Another option is to choose a frozen treat that doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup, such as a fruit smoothie or a frozen yogurt. Smoothies made with real fruit and yogurt can be a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream treats. Frozen yogurt is also a healthier option, as it contains less fat and fewer calories than ice cream.
If you’re looking for an indulgent treat without the guilt, consider making your own frozen dessert at home. There are many recipes available online for homemade ice cream, sorbet, and popsicles that use natural ingredients and have fewer calories than store-bought options.
