Beer is a beloved beverage enjoyed by many, but have you ever stopped to consider what ingredients are actually in your favorite brew?
While we may assume that beer is made up of simple ingredients like hops, malt, and yeast, the reality is often far from that. Many popular beers on the market today contain unhealthy additives like high fructose corn syrup and GMOs.
But what about Michelob Ultra? This low-calorie beer has gained popularity in recent years, but does it contain high fructose corn syrup?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and find out.
Does Michelob Ultra Beer Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup?
After researching the ingredients of Michelob Ultra, we can confirm that this beer does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Instead, the ingredients include water, rice, barley, and hops.
It’s important to note that Michelob Ultra does include a GMO sweetener called GMO dextrose. While this sweetener is similar to genetically modified corn syrup, it is not the same thing. However, it does increase the calorie content of the beer and can put your blood sugar levels at risk if consumed in excess.
The Ingredients In Michelob Ultra Beer
Michelob Ultra is brewed using a combination of water, barley malt, partially modified wheat and barley, hops, yeast, and aromatic hop extract. The barley and wheat used in the beer are partially modified to reduce their starch content and give the beer a light and refreshing taste. Hops are added to impart flavor, aroma, and bitterness to the beer. Yeast is added to ferment the beer and give it a unique flavor and aroma. Finally, aromatic hop extract is used to further enhance the flavor and aroma of the beer.
It’s worth noting that Michelob Ultra also contains rice, which is used as a fermentable adjunct. Rice is a common ingredient in many light beers as it helps to lighten the body of the beer and reduce its calorie content. Additionally, Michelob Ultra contains GMO dextrose, which is a sweetener derived from genetically modified corn. While GMO dextrose is not high fructose corn syrup, it can still increase the calorie content of the beer and potentially affect blood sugar levels if consumed in excess.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a type of artificial sugar that is made from corn syrup. Corn starch is broken down into glucose molecules, which are then further processed using enzymes to convert some of the glucose into fructose. The resulting product is a sweetener that is high in fructose compared to pure glucose.
Different formulations of HFCS contain varying amounts of fructose, with the most common types being HFCS 42 and HFCS 55. HFCS 42 is mainly used in processed foods, cereals, baked goods, and some beverages, while HFCS 55 is primarily used in soft drinks.
HFCS has been widely used as a sweetener since the 1970s due to its manufacturing advantages over sugar, including being easier to handle and cheaper. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of consuming high amounts of HFCS. While the United States Food and Drug Administration states that it is not aware of evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey, some studies suggest that excessive consumption of HFCS may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
It’s important to note that while Michelob Ultra does not contain high fructose corn syrup, it does include a GMO sweetener called GMO dextrose. This sweetener may have similar effects on the body as HFCS if consumed in excess.
The Controversy Surrounding High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been a controversial ingredient in the food industry for years. Some experts argue that HFCS is a leading cause of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems, while others claim that it is no different from regular sugar.
The debate was sparked by a 2004 study that suggested HFCS played a significant role in the global rise of obesity. The study analyzed 30 years of data and found that the consumption of HFCS increased more than 1,000 percent during that time period, far exceeding changes in intake of any other food.
Opponents of HFCS argue that it contributes to the nation’s obesity epidemic, as well as liver fat accumulation, which can lead to serious health problems such as fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that HFCS can increase appetite and promote obesity more than regular sugar.
However, supporters of HFCS argue that it is no different from regular sugar, as both are a blend of fructose and glucose. They also claim that the human body cannot tell the difference between HFCS and sugar because they are compositionally equivalent.
Despite the controversy surrounding HFCS, some companies have taken steps to remove it from their products. For example, Hunt’s Ketchup dropped the substance, and Pepsi introduced a “throwback” version of their soda using plain sugar instead of corn syrup.
Michelob Ultra’s Commitment To Transparency And Quality Ingredients
Michelob Ultra is committed to transparency and quality ingredients. The company has taken steps to support the organic grains industry by enabling farmers who want to make the transition to produce organic. This is done through the Contract for Change program, which helps farmers reduce the risk and financial burden of transitioning to organic farming. The program also helps farmers find markets for their lower-value rotation crops and provides technical assistance for organic farming.
Michelob Ultra’s commitment to quality ingredients is also evident in their use of only four simple, high-quality ingredients in their beer: water, rice, barley, and hops. The company has also taken steps to reduce the calorie content of their beer by introducing Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, which is brewed with organic grains and contains only 85 calories and 2.5 carbs.
In addition, Michelob Ultra has been transparent about the use of GMO dextrose in their beer. While this sweetener is not high fructose corn syrup, it does increase the calorie content of the beer and can pose a risk to those with blood sugar issues if consumed in excess.
Other Additives To Watch Out For In Beer
While Michelob Ultra may not contain high fructose corn syrup, there are other additives commonly found in beer that consumers should be aware of. One of the most common additives is caramel coloring, which is used to give beer its darker color. However, caramel coloring has been linked to cancer and other health problems, and should be avoided if possible.
Another additive to watch out for is propylene glycol, which is used as a stabilizer in some beers. Propylene glycol has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, and can also be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Finally, many beers contain artificial flavors and sweeteners, which can be just as harmful as high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients can cause a range of health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
