Hershey Looks To Replace High-Fructose Corn Syrup With A Healthier Alternative

Hershey’s, a popular name in chocolate products, has recently decided to replace the high-fructose corn syrup in its products with sugar.

This is not the first time high-fructose corn syrup has been mentioned in the news recently. According to a report from the Inquisitr, high-fructose corn syrup has been found to be as addictive as cocaine.

High-fructose corn syrup has gotten a bad rep in the food industry. It is about 42 percent fructose, as opposed to other more expensive sucrose options, which are 50 percent fructose.

Hershey’s decision to move towards sugar may be due in part to consumer’s opinion against corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup is claimed to cause weight gain and diabetes. They prefer sugar more, so Hershey’s is changing to reflect their wants.

“We take into account what consumers want. And consumers are telling us between the two, they prefer sugar,” chief research and development officer Will Papa said.

“It’s early days, but we are actively looking at this potential change. Our aim is to be transparent with our consumers about the ingredients we use in our products. Once we have more information to share, we will be back in touch,” Hershey said in its statement.

When asked about the effect of high-fructose corn syrup, Hershey said that it is metabolized the same way in the body as sugar. “We are being responsive to what c consumers are telling us they want. Again, whatever ingredients we use, we will be transparent about what is in our products so consumers are informed about what they choose to buy.”

Hershey’s says that even if they do use sugar, the change will not impact the taste of its products.

Hershey’s is not the first company to remove high-fructose corn syrups from its products. Gatorade and Yoplait have also explored options to make their products better.

“No high fructose corn syrup” claims featured on around 2.35 percent of the 20,000-plus new products launched in the US in 2013, compared with 2.30% of new products launched in 2012, and 1.56 percent in 2010, according to data from Mintel.

Hershey’s has not released a specific time-frame for its plan to implement sugar. They are, however, exploring new options for its consumers.

[Image via Google Images]