Are you a fan of hard cider?
Have you ever tried Angry Orchard?
If so, you may be surprised to learn that there has been some controversy surrounding the ingredients in this popular brand.
Some consumers have claimed that Angry Orchard uses high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sweetener, despite it not being listed on the label.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in Angry Orchard and explore whether or not HFCS is really present.
We’ll also delve into the world of hard cider and learn more about how it’s made.
So grab a cold one and let’s get started!
Does Angry Orchard Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
The question on many hard cider enthusiasts’ minds is whether or not Angry Orchard contains high fructose corn syrup. While the ingredients listed on the label do not mention HFCS, some consumers have claimed that it is used as a sweetener.
After reaching out to the company, it has been confirmed that Angry Orchard does indeed use HFCS in their ciders. This may come as a surprise to those who are health-conscious or follow specific dietary restrictions.
It’s important to note that not all hard ciders contain HFCS. Many brands use natural sweeteners such as apple juice concentrate or honey. However, it’s always a good idea to check the label and do your research before purchasing any food or drink product.
The Ingredients In Angry Orchard
The ingredients in Angry Orchard hard cider include hard cider, natural flavors, carbon dioxide, malic acid, and sulfites to preserve freshness. While the label does not mention high fructose corn syrup, the company has confirmed that it is used as a sweetener in their ciders.
It’s worth noting that not all of Angry Orchard’s ciders contain HFCS. Their Green Apple variety is made with American apples and does not contain the sweetener. However, some of their other flavors, such as Iceman, Strawman, Apple Ginger, Traditional Dry, and Crisp Apple, are made with apples imported from Italy and France, which are blended to create complex flavors.
Consumers who are concerned about the use of HFCS in their food and drink products may want to consider alternative hard cider brands that use natural sweeteners. Some popular options include Fox, JK Scrumpy, and Blue Mountain, which have confirmed that they do not add sugar to their ciders and list any sweeteners used on their ingredients labels.
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 and beverages as a cheaper alternative to granulated sugar. To make HFCS, enzymes are added to corn syrup to convert some of the glucose into fructose, a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and berries. The most common forms of HFCS contain either 42% or 55% fructose, with the rest being glucose and water. HFCS 42 is mainly used in processed foods, cereals, baked goods, and some beverages, while HFCS 55 is primarily used in soft drinks.
While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that there is no evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey, some health experts have raised concerns about its potential negative effects on health. Studies have linked high consumption of HFCS with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
It’s important to note that not all food and beverage products contain HFCS, and consumers can choose to avoid it by checking ingredient labels and opting for natural sweeteners instead.
Controversy Surrounding HFCS In Food And Beverages
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been a controversial ingredient in the food and beverage industry for years. It has been a topic of debate among consumers, health experts, and industry professionals alike.
One of the main concerns surrounding HFCS is its potential negative impact on health. Some studies have linked the consumption of HFCS to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. This has led to calls for the ingredient to be removed from food and beverage products.
On the other hand, the corn refiners industry has argued that HFCS is a natural sweetener that is no different than sugar. They have also claimed that the negative health effects associated with HFCS are not supported by scientific evidence.
The controversy surrounding HFCS has led to changes in the food and beverage industry. Many companies have responded to consumer demand by removing HFCS from their products and replacing it with natural sweeteners such as cane sugar or honey.
However, some companies continue to use HFCS in their products. This has led to criticism from consumers who are concerned about their health and the ingredients they consume.
Does Angry Orchard Contain HFCS?
After conducting research and reaching out to the company, it has been confirmed that Angry Orchard does contain high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in their ciders. This may be concerning for those who are trying to avoid HFCS for health or dietary reasons. It’s important to note that not all hard ciders use HFCS as a sweetener, and some instead use natural sweeteners like apple juice concentrate or honey. However, it’s always a good idea to carefully read the label and do your own research before purchasing any food or drink product.
How Hard Cider Is Made
Hard cider is traditionally made from apples and yeast, with the addition of sulfites to kill bacteria or wild yeast. Some cider makers may add sugar for further fermentation. The amount of sugar in each bottle is a fundamental distinction between beer and hard cider. While beer contains no sugar, cider can be rather sweet due to the high natural sugar content of the fruit it contains.
The fermenting process causes the sugar level of hard cider to vary. Slower fermentation is used for sweeter ciders, while dryer ciders allow the yeast to eat the majority of the natural sugars in the cider, resulting in a less sweet drink with a higher alcohol content.
After fermentation, some ciders are back sweetened with some type of sweetener such as apple juice concentrate or unfermented apple juice. Many ciders are also flavored or infused with fruit, hops, spices, and more to add complexity to ciders made from dessert or supermarket apple varieties.
It’s worth noting that some commercial ciders may include flavoring and coloring agents, as well as high fructose corn syrup to aid fermentation and cheap imported apple juice concentrate to back sweeten. However, not all hard ciders contain these additives.
Alternatives To High Fructose Corn Syrup In Hard Cider
For those who are looking for a hard cider without high fructose corn syrup, there are several alternatives available. One option is to look for craft ciders, which typically use natural sweeteners such as honey or apple juice concentrate. It’s important to note that not all craft ciders are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and read the labels carefully.
Another alternative is to make your own hard cider at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that no high fructose corn syrup is used. To sweeten your cider, you can use natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can also try adding fruit juice or puree during the fermentation process. This will add natural sweetness without the use of high fructose corn syrup.
