Are you a fan of Labatt Blue beer? Have you ever wondered what ingredients are used to brew this popular Canadian beer?
One ingredient that has been the subject of controversy in the brewing industry is corn syrup. With the recent Super Bowl ads from Bud Light claiming they don’t use corn syrup in their beer, it’s natural to question whether Labatt Blue contains this ingredient.
In this article, we’ll explore the use of corn syrup in brewing and whether or not it’s present in Labatt Blue. So sit back, crack open a cold one, and let’s dive into the world of beer ingredients.
Does Labatt Blue Contain Corn Syrup?
After conducting research, we can confirm that Labatt Blue does contain corn syrup. However, it’s important to note that not all corn syrups are created equal.
The controversy surrounding corn syrup in beer stems from the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in some brewing processes. HFCS has been linked to health issues such as diabetes and obesity, leading some consumers to avoid products containing this ingredient.
Labatt Blue, on the other hand, uses a different type of corn syrup known as dextrose. Dextrose is a simple sugar that is commonly used in brewing to provide fermentable sugars for yeast. During the fermentation process, the yeast consumes the dextrose and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
While some may still have concerns about the use of corn syrup in beer, it’s important to understand that dextrose is not the same as HFCS and does not pose the same health risks.
What Is Corn Syrup And Why Is It Used In Beer?
Corn syrup is a sweetener that is derived from corn starch. It is made by breaking down the starch molecules into smaller glucose molecules through a process called hydrolysis. Corn syrup is commonly used in the food industry as a sweetening agent because it is cheaper than other sugars like cane sugar or honey. In the brewing industry, corn syrup is used to provide fermentable sugars for yeast during the brewing process.
There are different types of corn syrup available, with varying levels of fructose content. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become controversial due to its potential health risks, including diabetes and obesity. However, it’s important to note that the corn syrup used in brewing is not HFCS, but rather dextrose.
Dextrose is a simple sugar that is also derived from corn starch. It is commonly used in brewing because it is easily fermentable by yeast, which converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the brewing process. Dextrose provides brewers with a cost-effective way to add fermentable sugars to their beer without altering the flavor profile.
The Controversy Surrounding Corn Syrup In Beer
The use of corn syrup in beer has recently become a topic of controversy, with Bud Light being the first to publicly discuss the ingredient and push for ingredient transparency. This controversy revolves around the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in some brewing processes, which has been linked to health issues such as diabetes and obesity.
However, it’s important to note that not all corn syrups are created equal. Registered dietician Suzanne Dixon explains that corn syrup used in brewing has no effect on the health of your beer, as all of the corn syrup is removed during the fermentation process. Yeast consumes the sugars in corn syrup, regardless of whether it is made from HFCS or dextrose (a type of corn syrup commonly used in brewing).
Labatt Blue, a popular beer brand, uses dextrose in their brewing process instead of HFCS. Dextrose is a simple sugar that provides fermentable sugars for yeast during fermentation. While some consumers may still have concerns about the use of corn syrup in beer, it’s important to understand that dextrose does not pose the same health risks as HFCS.
Labatt Blue’s Ingredients And Brewing Process
Labatt Blue is brewed using the finest ingredients, including renowned Hallertau hops, 2-row malted barley, and pure Canadian barley. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that Labatt Blue has a clean refreshing taste with a distinct hop aroma, delicate fruit flavor, and a slightly sweet aftertaste.
In addition to these main ingredients, Labatt Blue also contains corn syrup in the form of dextrose. During the brewing process, dextrose is added to the wort to provide fermentable sugars for the yeast. The yeast then consumes the dextrose and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
It’s worth noting that Labatt Blue’s use of dextrose is common in the brewing industry and is not unique to this particular beer. Dextrose is used as a fermentable sugar source in many different types of beer, including lagers and ales.
Labatt Blue’s Stance On Corn Syrup
Labatt Blue takes a neutral stance on the use of corn syrup in their brewing process. The company recognizes that dextrose, a type of corn syrup, is a common and necessary ingredient in brewing beer. However, they also understand that some consumers may have concerns about the use of any type of corn syrup in their products.
To address these concerns, Labatt Blue emphasizes their commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients in their beer. This includes using pure Canadian 2-row malted barley and renowned Hallertau hops, as well as carefully selecting the appropriate amount of dextrose to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Ultimately, Labatt Blue believes that the choice to consume their beer should be left up to the individual consumer. They encourage all consumers to enjoy their products responsibly, and to make informed decisions about what they choose to consume based on their personal preferences and values.
Other Beers That Use Corn Syrup
Aside from Labatt Blue, there are many other popular beers that use corn syrup as part of their brewing process. Large-scale breweries such as Coors, Miller, and Budweiser use corn syrup to create large, consistent batches of beer for distribution. Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale and Big Foot Barley Wine, Founders All Day IPA, Lagunitas IPA, New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber Ale, and Dogfish Head’s resilient 60 Minute IPA are just a few examples of craft beers that use corn syrup to help adjust the sweetness and body of their beer.
Corn syrup is also widely used in wheat beers such as Blue Moon and Leine’s Summer Shandy. It is also possible to find corn syrup in fruity lagers, such as Bud Light Lime-A-Rita. Craft breweries are often experimenting with different types of adjuncts, and so it is quite possible to find more unique beers using corn syrup as part of their brewing process.
However, it’s important to note that not all beers that use corn syrup are created equal. As mentioned earlier, the type of corn syrup used can vary and some types may pose health risks while others do not. It’s always a good idea to do your own research on the ingredients in your favorite beers to make an informed decision about what you’re consuming.
The Bottom Line: Should You Be Concerned About Corn Syrup In Your Beer?
After researching the use of corn syrup in beer, it’s safe to say that there is no need to be concerned about its presence in Labatt Blue. While some mass-market brewers use high-fructose corn syrup in their brewing process, Labatt Blue uses dextrose, a simple sugar that is consumed by yeast during fermentation and does not pose the same health risks as HFCS.
Registered dietitian Suzanne Dixon confirms that the use of corn syrup in brewing does not affect the health of beer in any way. During fermentation, all of the sugars are consumed by yeast and filtered out before the beer is bottled. Therefore, there is no actual corn syrup left in the finished product.
While there may be some debate over the use of corn syrup in beer, it’s important to understand that not all corn syrups are created equal. Labatt Blue’s use of dextrose is a common and safe practice in brewing, and does not pose any health risks to consumers.
