Are you a fan of baking and cooking? Do you often find yourself in need of a specific ingredient, like corn syrup?
If you’re wondering whether Woolworths carries this sweet and versatile ingredient, you’re in luck! Corn syrup, also known as glucose syrup, can be found in the baking aisle of your local Woolworths.
But what exactly is corn syrup, and how can it be used in your culinary creations?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of corn syrup, its uses in cooking and baking, and where to find it at Woolworths.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Does Woolworths Have Corn Syrup?
Yes, Woolworths does carry corn syrup, which can be found labelled as glucose syrup in the baking aisle. Corn syrup is made from corn starch and is 100% glucose. It’s commonly used in the food industry as a sweetener and thickener, and can be found in a variety of products such as hard lollies, ice cream, jam, and Asian sauces.
While cane sugar or glucose syrup are more commonly used in Australia, corn syrup is a staple ingredient in the United States and can be found in many baked goods, soft drinks, and other sweet treats.
If you’re looking to use corn syrup in your own cooking and baking, Woolworths has got you covered. Simply head to the baking aisle and look for the glucose syrup label.
What Is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener that is made from the starch of corn, also known as maize in some countries. It contains varying amounts of sugars such as glucose, maltose, and higher oligosaccharides, depending on the grade. Corn syrup is commonly used in food products to soften texture, add volume, prevent crystallization of sugar, and enhance flavor. It is important to note that corn syrup is not the same as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is sweeter and manufactured by converting a large proportion of glucose into fructose using enzymes.
Corn syrup is a form of refined sugar that is extracted from corn and processed into a liquid form. It is pure glucose and can be found in two types: light corn syrup and dark corn syrup. Light corn syrup is clear and often flavored with vanilla, while dark corn syrup is flavored with molasses, creating a richer and sweeter taste with caramel notes.
Corn syrup can be purchased in bottles for use in cooking or added to processed foods on an industrial scale. It is commonly used in making candy, jams and jellies, frostings, baked goods, and frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet. Corn syrup acts as a smoothing agent and prevents jagged hard crystals from forming in frozen desserts. It also keeps sauces smoother in the fridge and helps prevent granulated sugar from recrystallizing during the cooking process.
In Australia, cane sugar or glucose syrup are more commonly used than corn syrup. However, if you are looking for corn syrup for your cooking or baking needs, you can find it at Woolworths labeled as glucose syrup in the baking aisle. It’s important to consume all forms of refined sugar in moderation, including corn syrup.
The Uses Of Corn Syrup In Cooking And Baking
Corn syrup has a range of uses in cooking and baking. Due to its high glucose content, it can be used as a sweetener and thickener in a variety of dishes. In the United States, corn syrup is commonly used in baking, beer, soft drinks, and pretty much any food that requires sweetening.
In Australia, corn syrup can be used as a substitute for cane sugar or glucose syrup in many recipes. It’s particularly useful in preventing crystallization and softening the texture of food. For example, it’s commonly used in making hard lollies and ice cream to prevent crystallization and create a smoother texture.
Corn syrup can also be used as a thickener in jams, jellies, and Asian sauces. It helps to give these dishes a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
When it comes to baking, corn syrup is often used in recipes for cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. It can help to keep baked goods moist and prevent them from drying out. Additionally, it’s often used in candy making due to its ability to prevent crystallization when heated.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Corn Syrup
Corn syrup has both benefits and drawbacks when used as a sweetener and thickener in food products. Here are some of the key points to consider:
Benefits:
1. Versatility: Corn syrup can be used to sweeten and thicken a wide variety of food products, including hard lollies, ice cream, jam, Asian sauces, and more.
2. Texture: Corn syrup can enhance the texture and consistency of processed foods, such as giving a creamier texture to frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet.
3. Stability: Corn syrup is resistant to fermentation and has a high pH, meaning it has bacteria resistance, which can increase shelf-life and reduce spoilage.
Drawbacks:
1. Calorie Content: Corn syrup contains 4 extra calories per gram compared to sugar, meaning it can lead to an overconsumption of calories.
2. Processing: Corn syrup undergoes additional processing compared to sugar. It is manufactured from cornstarch and mixed with enzymes to create a syrup.
3. Nutrient Content: Corn syrup offers no essential nutrients, so consuming it will decrease the total nutrient content of your diet.
4. Health Concerns: Although the FDA states that corn syrup is safe to consume, some have expressed concern about the potential for health issues. Consumption of high fructose corn syrup (a type of corn syrup) has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorder in animal studies.
Where To Find Corn Syrup At Woolworths
Corn syrup can be found at Woolworths labelled as glucose syrup in the baking aisle. This aisle is stocked with a range of cooking and baking staples, including pre-mixed kits and go-to items needed for delectable baked treats. You can choose from a variety of flours such as cake, corn, wheat, nut, and oat flour to use as base ingredients for your muffins, cakes, and bread or as a thickening agent in stews and sauces.
To add taste and texture to your recipes, Woolworths also stocks white and brown sugar, as well as volume boosting and flavouring agents such as baking powder, yeast, vanilla, caramel, peppermint and almond essence. For all your decorating needs, you can find cake icing, frosting mix, lemon curd, glazed cherries, sprinkles, pearls, glitter stars, shimmer, and chocolate drops.
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like gathering all the ingredients yourself, Woolworths also has ready-made mixes for muffins, pancakes, malva puddings, chocolate cakes, meringues, and carrot cakes. Simply add milk and eggs to these mixes and get ready to turn on the oven.
If you’re specifically looking for corn syrup at Woolworths, Queen Glucose Syrup is available for purchase. This product is derived from corn and is perfect for making toffee, caramel, marshmallows and jellies. It can be found in the baking aisle alongside other sweeteners and thickeners.
Alternatives To Corn Syrup In Recipes
If you don’t have corn syrup on hand or prefer not to use it, there are several alternatives you can try. However, it’s important to note that not all substitutes will work for all recipes.
Honey is a great substitute for corn syrup and can be used in equal amounts. However, it won’t prevent crystallization, so it’s not the best choice for making caramel or candy. The lighter the honey, the milder the flavor.
For dark corn syrup, maple syrup or molasses can be used in equal amounts. Keep in mind that they will add extra sweetness and may affect the overall flavor of the recipe.
If you’re looking for a substitute that’s more similar in texture to corn syrup, try using a simple syrup made from brown sugar and water. Karo recommends using 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar dissolved in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
Xanthan gum and guar gum are both frequently called for in gluten-free recipes as thickeners and emulsifiers. They can be used alone or in combination to help keep mixes mixed and prevent separation.
