Foods That Don't Have High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is a sweetener derived from corn, which is used to extend shelf life of foods and is cheaper than regular sugar. Debate about HFCS sets in when it comes to weight gain. In a study at Princeton University, researchers demonstrated that rats fed high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those fed table sugar 2. If you are concerned about weight gain, stick with foods that do not contain HFCS.

Fruits

Fresh and frozen fruit does not contain HFCS. Certain types of canned fruit and dried fruit do, however. When purchasing these items, scan the ingredient label to see if they are free of HFCS. Often, it is added to preserve them and increase the sweetness.

Vegetables

Hemp Milk Vs. Soy Milk

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Most fresh, frozen and canned vegetables are free of high fructose corn syrup 1. These include:

• cucumbers
  
• broccoli
  
• celery
  
• mushrooms
  
• carrots
  
• baby spinach
  
• romaine lettuce
  
• potatoes
  
• squash

Beware of some exceptions: Canned tomatoes, tomato paste, pickles and relish often have HFCS.

Meats and Poultry

Meats and poultry are all high in protein, low in carbs and free of high fructose corn syrup 1. However, if you add bottled toppings to these meats, that can change. For example, most ketchups, barbecue sauces and marinades have HFCS. Before topping your burgers or steaks with any of these sauces, scan the ingredient labels to make sure they do not contain high fructose corn syrup 1. The label may also indicate that the product is HFCS-free.

Fish and Shellfish

Foods That Don't Have Soy or Dairy in Them

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Fish and shellfish are low in carbs, high in protein and free of HFCS. Salmon, herring, mackerel and albacore tuna are also high in omega-3 fatty acids--a healthy type of fat that helps control cholesterol levels.

Nuts

This goes for both the raw and roasted forms. They are also high in fiber, protein and unsaturated fat, and low in carbs. However, if you buy them honey-roasted, they may contain HFCS, so check the ingredient label. Also, the nuts in bottled ice-cream toppings may contain HFCS as well.

Seeds

Raw and roasted seeds, such as:

• hemp
  
• pumpkin
  
• sunflower
  
• sesame
  
• flax
  
• do not contain high fructose corn syrup

Like nuts, they are high in protein, fiber and essential fats.

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as:

• milk
  
• cheese
  
• butter
  
• sour cream
  
• cottage cheese
  
• buttermilk
  
• plain yogurt
  
• are HFCS-free

Natural yogurts that contain fruit as a sweetener are free of HFCS. But this is not the case for conventional fruit-based yogurts or cottage cheese with added fruit. Read the ingredient labels to make sure.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as:

• oatmeal
  
• brown rice
  
• buckwheat
  
• barley
  
• millet
  
• rice bran
  
• quinoa
  
• oat bran are free of HFCS

They are also high in fiber and complex carbs, and have moderate amounts of protein. Pasta, made from semolina wheat, is HFCS-free. Products like cereal, bread, bagels and buns, however, commonly have high fructose corn syrup. Look for it in the ingredient label or on the front of the package.

Beans

The only exception is canned baked beans, which may have HFCS.