Glucose Syrup: Uses, Risks, and How to Avoid

Glucose syrup is present in the ingredient list of many packaged foods. It is a sweat & thick liquid made by hydrolysing starch and contains glucose and other sugars, e.g., dextrins and maltose. So, what is this syrup? How is it prepared? What are its risks, and how are they compared to other related products? Finally,  when must it be avoided?

This article provides an overview of everything one needs to know about these syrups. Continue reading for more colourful insights. 

We have many sugar-free alternatives to glucose syrup. For example, The Skinny Food Co Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup is one of our popular choices. Visit our page to buy it from the Welzo store. 

What is glucose syrup?  

Glucose syrup is a sweet and thick liquid in many foods and pharmaceutical products as a thickener, sweetener, and moisture-retaining agent. Its ability to prevent crystallisation makes it a unique product used to prepare fondant, beer, candies and premade and canned baked goods. 

Nevertheless, it differs from glucose, a simple sugar the body needs as an instant energy source. The glucose syrup is prepared by breaking the glucose molecules in starchy foods through hydrolysis. This process produces a sweet and highly concentrated product with a high glucose content. 

The primary source of these starchy foods is corn. The other sources include wheat, cassava, barley and potatoes. It is prepared as solid granules or as thick liquids. The dextrose equivalent (DE) signifies the hydrolysis level in these liquids. This measure indicates the degree of hydrolysis of carbohydrates, e.g., starch. The syrups with more DE have more sugar and thus are sweeter. 

Types of glucose syrups 

The glucose syrups are of two types that differ in their taste and carbohydrate profile. These types are; 

High maltose glucose syrup 

This syrup is made using an enzyme known as amylase and has nearly 50-70% maltose content. It is less sweet than table sugar and better keeps the foods dry. It is used in syrups, sauces, beverages, confectionery and baking.

Confectioners syrup 

It is prepared using acid hydrolysis and continuous conversion. This diverse glucose syrup contains 56% various carbohydrates, 11% maltotriose, 14% maltose and 19% glucose. It is used for baking and making beverages and candies.

Corn syrup Vs. glucose syrup  

The manufacturing process of corn starch and glucose syrup is very similar. Corn syrup is prepared by breaking the corn-starch. Although corn syrup is one of the glucose syrups, not all glucose syrups are corn syrups, as these are also produced from various other plant sources. 

Nutritionally, corn and glucose syrup are very similar and have similar health benefits. None of these syrups contain a lot of minerals and vitamins. These syrups are used interchangeably in many applications, e.g., glazes, frozen desserts, candies and baked goods. 

Health risks of glucose syrups  

Glucose syrups are used to increase the sweetness, preserve many commercial foods, and increase their appeal. It is much cheaper to produce than many other syrups, yet this syrup has no proven health benefits. It doesn't contain proteins or fats but is a rich source of calories and sugars.

One tablespoon of the glucose syrup contains 17g carbohydrates, an amount which is three times more than those present in the table sugars. It also has a significant amount of calories, which is 62. Its regular consumption is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, higher blood pressure, dental decay and poor dental health, higher blood sugar and obesity. 

If one is worried about his glucose levels, we have Turbinado sugar with numerous added benefits. Visit us to buy it from Welzo. 

Avoidance of glucose syrups  

As regular consumption of glucose syrups is associated with health harm, it is natural that people want to avoid it. The health tips to keep glucose syrups out of reach of the diet are, 

Looking for other foods that contain healthier substituents 

Many packaged foods contain other sugars, e.g., yacon, xylitol, stevia, and molasses, in the place of glucose syrups. These sweeteners are less harmful and associated with health benefits in moderate amounts. 

Check the ingredient profile of the packaged foods

Many products use various names, e.g., glucose and others for glucose syrups. While reading the labels, searching for unhealthy sweeteners, e.g., glucose syrups and fructose corn syrup, is necessary. 

Avoid processed drinks and foods

Glucose syrups are present in many sports drinks, juices, sodas, baked products, breads, snacks, candies and other packaged foods. It is advised to choose whole foods and avoid processed foods as much as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What are the various side effects of glucose syrups? 

Some people develop allergic reactions to glucose syrups and experience signs, e.g., skin peeling, blisters, swelling, redness, itching, hives and rashes. The other signs are chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing. Besides allergic reactions, many people don't tolerate it well due to diabetes and poor tolerance. 

How safe is the glucose syrup to use? 

It is necessary to consult the healthcare professional while using these products because only he can weigh their benefits and side effects. Many people using glucose syrups don't develop any serious side effects, and allergic reactions to these products are rare. 

How to use glucose syrups safely? 

Glucose syrups are common in soft drinks, beer, canned goods, sauces, jams, baked products and confectioners. As it extends the shelf life of the products and doesn't crystallise, it is also routinely used in medical and pharmaceutical products. 

What are the other alternatives to glucose syrup? 

Many naturally occurring syrups serve as the natural alternatives to glucose syrup. These include maple syrup, agave syrup and honey. These foods' flavour and texture profiles are very similar to the fluxes syrups, which also have a similar texture. 

What are the other things that must be avoided while using glucose? 

Control over blood glucose needs to limit the intake of various foods, e.g.,  sweetened drinks, candies, and fruits rich in sugars. The starches, e.g., pasta and bread, are also rich in sugars but contain complex and long chains of sugars. 

How much daily use of glucose is safe? 

Adults are advised only to consume 30g of free sugars daily. Children aged 7-10 must not take more than 24g of sugar, and those aged 4-6 must not take more than 19g daily. 

Bottom-line 

Glucose syrup is a natural liquid sweetener used in commercial products to improve food's shelf life and taste. However, regular syrups are unhealthy, highly processed and contain sugars and calories. So, the best thing is to avoid it as much as possible. For better use, it must be stored in a tightly sealed, dry, and cool place.

The alternatives to glucose syrups are necessary for many people. For example, our fructose health supplements are important for those who seek alternatives to glucose syrups. Visit our fructose category page for more details. In case of any queries, our healthcare professionals are always available to guide and help you. Get appointments through our Private GP Appointments Online to consult our professionals.