Many processed foods contain high fructose corn syrup to increase their shelf life and improve taste. Since regular consumption of high fructose corn syrup has health risks, you may want to focus on eating foods that do not contain this additive. Non-processed foods do not contain high fructose corn syrup, and they offer many other nutritional benefits.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables contain no high fructose corn syrup, and they also offer the benefit of essential vitamins and minerals. Add carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers and lettuce to your salad to reap the benefits of fresh vegetables without adding high fructose corn syrup to your diet.
Fruits
No fresh fruits contain high fructose corn syrup, so eating apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines and other fresh fruits is a good way to get fiber and other nutrients without consuming high fructose corn syrup. You can also can fruit or use it for jams and jellies without using high fructose corn syrup. If you buy canned fruits, check the labels carefully. Some companies add high fructose corn syrup to canned fruits to preserve them and make them sweeter.
Meats
Fresh and frozen meats do not contain high fructose corn syrup, provided they do not have sauces or marinades. Prepared foods, meat sauces and luncheon meats often have high fructose corn syrup as an additive, so check food labels carefully to avoid buying products prepared with this ingredient. If you prepare meats at home, you will reduce your overall consumption of high fructose corn syrup.
Nuts and Seeds
For a high-protein snack with healthy fats and no high fructose corn syrup, try a variety of nuts and seeds. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and peanuts contain protein, fiber and unsaturated fats that help you feel full for longer periods. Sunflower seeds contain antioxidants, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins, making them a healthy snack free of food additives and preservatives.
Grain Products
Some manufacturers sweeten and preserve their grain products with high fructose corn syrup. Check labels carefully to determine which products contain this additive. Breads made without high fructose corn syrup include Pepperidge Farm honey wheatberry, Pepperidge Farms whole grain honey oat, Thomas’s low-carb English muffins and Milton’s wheat bread. Cereals without high fructose corn syrup include Life, Albertson brand rice squares and Post Grape-Nuts.
Beverages
Several beverages do not contain high fructose corn syrup. These beverages contain sugar and other sweeteners instead of the corn-based fructose syrup. Beverages made without high fructose corn syrup include Tropicana orange juice, Nestle NesQuick chocolate milk powder, Northland cranberry juice and the original formula of Dr. Pepper.
Condiments
Some condiments contain high fructose corn syrup as a preservative, but others contain more natural ingredients. Condiments made without high fructose corn syrup include Farman’s pickle relish, Heinz organic ketchup, Mt. Olive hamburger dill chips and French’s Worcestershire sauce.
About this Author
Leigh A. Zaykoski began working as a freelance writer in 2004. Her medical content has appeared on dozens of websites and in professional association newsletters. Zaykoski attended the University of Pittsburgh and Keystone College, studying microbiology and business administration. She is currently pursuing a medical writing certification.