Is Glucose syrup bad for you?
Also listed as: liquid glucose, corn syrup, dextrose
Short answer
Added sugar made from starch. It raises blood sugar quickly and counts as sugar, even if the word ‘sugar’ doesn’t appear.
What it is
A syrup of glucose and other sugars made by breaking down corn, wheat or other starches.
Where you’ll see it
Sweets, chocolates, biscuits, jams, ice cream and cereal bars.
+ The good side
- Prevents sugar crystallising and keeps products soft
− The other side
- High glycaemic impact
- Several sugar types spread across the list can make sugar look less prominent
Who should pay attention
People managing diabetes or weight.
💡 What to do: If two or three sugar names appear in the first five ingredients, the product is sugar-heavy.
Got a pack with Glucose syrup?
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Invert sugar syrup
It is added sugar: table sugar split into glucose and fructose. It counts towards your sugar intake just like sugar does.
Maltodextrin
Not harmful in the small amounts used in most foods, but it is a fast-digesting carbohydrate that raises blood sugar quickly, so it matters if it appears high in the ingredient list.
General food information, not medical advice. Exact limits and labelling rules vary by country. If you have a medical condition or allergy, follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.