High-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose corn syrup suppliers and sourcing guide
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is made from corn starch that is first hydrolyzed to a high-dextrose syrup and then passed through columns of immobilized glucose isomerase, which converts part of the glucose to fructose. The result, HFCS 42, is about 42 percent fructose on a dry basis; HFCS 55 is made by separating a fructose-rich fraction by chromatography and blending it back. It is delivered as a liquid in tank trucks or railcars and is used mainly in soft drinks, baked goods and condiments.
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Also known as
- HFCS · HFCS 42 · HFCS 55 · Isoglucose · Glucose-fructose syrup
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of high-fructose corn syrup
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
HFCS 42
About 42 percent fructose on a dry basis, used in baked goods, condiments, canned foods and dairy products.
HFCS 55
About 55 percent fructose, close to sucrose in sweetness, and the usual grade for carbonated soft drinks.
Enriched fructose fraction
A high-fructose stream from chromatographic separation, used mainly to make HFCS 55 and in some specialty syrups.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Saccharide profile (HPLC)
- Fructose, dextrose and higher saccharides on a dry basis by HPLC, which confirms the 42 or 55 grade.
- Dry solids
- Dry substance by refractive index, which sets how much sweetener each kilogram delivers.
- Color and clarity
- Color by absorbance and turbidity, since HFCS darkens with heat and time in storage.
- pH and ash
- pH and conductivity ash, which reflect refining and ion exchange performance.
- Microbiology
- Yeast and mold, including osmophilic yeast, and total plate count, especially for beverage use.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
HFCS is held in clean, vented stainless tanks with filtered air at a steady temperature, because cold storage raises viscosity and HFCS 42 can crystallize dextrose, while too much heat darkens the syrup and forms HMF. Shelf life is shorter than for dry sweeteners and is set by the supplier's specification, so deliveries are planned for steady turnover.
Lots and expiry dates
Record fructose percentage, solids and color for each delivery and confirm that 42 and 55 grades are not mixed in the same tank. Log tank cleaning and air filter changes, since microbial problems usually start in storage.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1866 describes high fructose corn syrup as containing either approximately 42 or 55 percent fructose, made from corn starch hydrolysate using an insoluble glucose isomerase enzyme preparation.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1866 requires the ingredient to conform to the "High-Fructose Corn Syrup" monograph in the Food Chemicals Codex, 4th edition.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1866 states that high fructose corn syrup is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
High-fructose corn syrup suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking high-fructose corn syrup suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell high-fructose corn syrup? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of high-fructose corn syrup can brands buy?
Common forms include hFCS 42, hFCS 55 and enriched fructose fraction. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for high-fructose corn syrup include?
Expect saccharide profile (HPLC), dry solids, color and clarity, pH and ash and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should high-fructose corn syrup be stored?
HFCS is held in clean, vented stainless tanks with filtered air at a steady temperature, because cold storage raises viscosity and HFCS 42 can crystallize dextrose, while too much heat darkens the syrup and forms HMF. Shelf life is shorter than for dry sweeteners and is set by the supplier's specification, so deliveries are planned for steady turnover.
What is the regulatory status of high-fructose corn syrup?
21 CFR 184.1866 describes high fructose corn syrup as containing either approximately 42 or 55 percent fructose, made from corn starch hydrolysate using an insoluble glucose isomerase enzyme preparation. 21 CFR 184.1866 requires the ingredient to conform to the "High-Fructose Corn Syrup" monograph in the Food Chemicals Codex, 4th edition. 21 CFR 184.1866 states that high fructose corn syrup is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
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