Does Rumchata Have Corn Syrup? (Explained By Experts)

Are you a RumChata fan who’s curious about the ingredients in your favorite cream liqueur?

One question that may be on your mind is whether or not RumChata contains corn syrup.

While the exact recipe is proprietary, we’ve done some digging to find out what we can about this popular drink.

In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in RumChata and whether or not it contains corn syrup.

So sit back, pour yourself a glass of RumChata, and let’s dive in!

Does Rumchata Have Corn Syrup?

After researching the ingredients in RumChata, we can confirm that it does contain sugar, but there is no mention of high fructose corn syrup in the recipe.

According to the RumChata website, the drink is made from five-times distilled Caribbean rum, fresh dairy cream from Wisconsin, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and other secret flavors. The exact amount of each ingredient is proprietary, but there is no indication that high fructose corn syrup is used.

It’s worth noting that some other liqueurs, such as DeKuyper, may contain high fructose corn syrup. If you’re trying to avoid this ingredient, it’s important to read labels carefully and do your research.

What Is RumChata?

RumChata is a cream liqueur that was released in 2009 and is manufactured in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The drink is made from a blend of five-times distilled Caribbean rum, fresh dairy cream from Wisconsin, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and other secret flavors. The inspiration for RumChata came from the Mexican and Spanish drink horchata, which is a creamy drink made with soaked rice or almonds and cinnamon that resembles milk. However, RumChata has no roots in Hispanic culture and was invented by Tom Maas, who spent his career developing alcohol brands.

RumChata is often compared to Baileys Irish Cream, but Baileys is made in Ireland with Irish whiskey. RumChata contains homogenized cream and does not need to be refrigerated. The liqueur has an alcohol content of 13.75% or 15%, depending on where it is sold. The sweet and creamy flavor of RumChata has made it a popular choice for cocktails and mixed drinks, often compared to an adult version of eggnog or horchata. While RumChata does contain sugar, there is no mention of high fructose corn syrup in the recipe.

The Ingredients In RumChata

RumChata is a cream liqueur made with a blend of high-quality ingredients, including five spices, real dairy cream, and Caribbean rum that has been aged for up to two years in oak barrels. The specific spices used in the recipe are cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, orange peel, and allspice. The dairy cream used in RumChata is sourced from Wisconsin farms and is blended with a proprietary blend of natural flavorings and other ingredients to create a sweet, creamy flavor.

While the exact recipe is not disclosed, the RumChata website confirms that sugar is used in the recipe. However, there is no mention of high fructose corn syrup being used. This makes RumChata a good option for those who are looking to avoid this ingredient in their drinks.

It’s important to note that RumChata does contain pecans and milk as allergens. The drink is manufactured on equipment that processes products containing these ingredients. Additionally, while most of the alcohol burns out with heat, some alcohol remains in the drink. This may be of concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, or others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.

The Controversy Surrounding Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a controversial ingredient in American processed foods due to its ubiquitous presence and alleged negative health effects. HFCS is derived from maize and is a popular substitute for common table sugar because of its lower cost and powerful sweetening abilities. However, opponents argue that HFCS contributes to the nation’s obesity epidemic and can have negative health effects.

Websites have sprung up in opposition to its inclusion in processed foods, and some national brands have pulled it from their products altogether. Hunt’s Ketchup dropped the substance, and Pepsi introduced a “throwback” version of their soda using plain sugar instead of corn syrup. Some stores, like Trader Joe’s, make sure it’s kept out of their store-labeled brands. Meanwhile, a Facebook page advocating the outright prohibition of the substance has nearly 200,000 fans.

A Princeton University study found rats gained more fat on HFCS than with sugar, which has led to further concerns about the ingredient’s negative impact on human health. In response, the corn refiners have launched a pushback defending HFCS as being little different than table sugar, also called sucrose. Both HFCS and sucrose are a blend of fruit sugar, known as fructose, and the simple sugar glucose.

The corn refiners challenge the Princeton study, citing other research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which found that HFCS is no more obesity-promoting than sucrose. That research found few differences in how the two sweeteners are metabolized. “Because they are nearly compositionally equivalent, the human body cannot tell the difference between high fructose corn syrup and sugar,” said the website.

Despite this pushback, many consumers remain skeptical about HFCS and try to avoid it in their diets. It’s important for individuals to read labels carefully and do their own research when it comes to determining which products contain this controversial ingredient.

Alternatives To RumChata If You’re Avoiding Corn Syrup

If you’re looking for a cream liqueur alternative to RumChata that doesn’t contain corn syrup, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is Baileys Irish Cream, which also uses dairy cream but does not contain high fructose corn syrup. It has a different flavor profile than RumChata, with notes of chocolate and vanilla, and the addition of Irish whiskey.

Another option is to make your own cream liqueur using natural sweeteners instead of corn syrup. You can use a base of rum or another distilled spirit, and sweeten it with honey, maple syrup, or freshly squeezed fruit juice. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid any unwanted additives.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can try making your own horchata, which is the inspiration behind RumChata. Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice water and condensed milk or sugar. There are many recipes available online for homemade horchata that use natural sweeteners like agave or dates instead of corn syrup.

Ultimately, it’s important to read labels carefully and do your research when looking for alternatives to RumChata that don’t contain corn syrup. With a little effort, you can find delicious cream liqueurs and other drinks that fit your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts On RumChata And Corn Syrup

In conclusion, RumChata is a cream liqueur that does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Instead, it is made with premium Caribbean rum, real dairy cream, natural spice extracts, and sugar. While the exact recipe is proprietary and may contain other secret flavors, there is no indication that corn syrup is used in the production of RumChata.

It’s important to note that some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in RumChata, such as dairy or pecans. Additionally, the alcohol content of RumChata may be a concern for those who are recovering alcoholics, parents, or have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.