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Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids and Glucose Syrup

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Corn syrup is a sweet syrup made from corn starch, and corn syrup solids are dried corn syrup, often used in powdered drinks, bars and baked foods. Glucose syrup is a sweet syrup made from starch such as corn, wheat or potato. Corn syrup counts as added sugar on US labels.

What the evidence review says

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is a sweet syrup made from corn starch. The FDA's earlier review found no hazard at typical uses apart from a contribution to tooth decay. Like other added sugars, eating a lot of it is linked with tooth decay and, when extra calories are eaten, with higher body weight. It counts as added sugar on US labels.

No ingredient-specific toxic effect was identified beyond its role as a free/added sugar. FDA's 1970s SCOGS review found no hazard at then-current uses other than a contribution to dental caries. Excess free sugars are associated with higher dental caries and, when people eat freely, with higher body weight. It counts toward added sugars on U.S. labels when used to sweeten.

Corn syrup solids

Corn syrup solids are dried corn syrup, often used in powdered drinks, bars and baked foods. The concern is the same as for corn syrup: it is a concentrated added sugar, not a distinct chemical hazard.

Same dietary concern as corn syrup: it is a concentrated added sugar, not a distinct chemical hazard. SCOGS did not separate the dried form from corn syrup. Easy to use in large amounts in powdered drinks, bars, and baked foods, where it still counts as added sugar.

Glucose syrup

Glucose syrup is a sweet syrup made from starch such as corn, wheat or potato. The concern is the same as for other added sugars: high intake is linked with tooth decay and extra calories, not a separate safety finding.

Concern is the same as other added free sugars: calories and dental caries when intake is high, not a separate toxicology finding. Source starch (corn, wheat, potato, tapioca) changes the crop, not the fact that the syrup is digestible carbohydrate.

Policy note: FDA has proposed a rule (not final) that would require companies to notify FDA before using a food substance on the basis that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Comments close December 9, 2026. Source: 91 FR 51834, published August 11, 2026, Docket FDA-2025-N-3262 (federalregister.gov, checked 2026-10-19).

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.