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Corn syrup — Food Lens Food Lens Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients.

Food Lens · Baking

Corn syrup

Very sweet with little other flavor in the light version; the dark version adds a deeper, caramel-like note.

Lens analyzed

Corn syrup is a thick, sweet liquid made by processing cornstarch into sugars, used in baking and candy-making to add sweetness, moisture, and a smooth texture that helps prevent sugar crystallization. Light and dark versions differ mainly in added color and flavor.

Where it comes from

Corn syrup became a major industrial sweetener in North America through the 20th century as corn processing technology advanced, offering a cheaper, shelf-stable liquid sweetener alternative to cane sugar syrups.

Buying it

Check whether a recipe calls for light or dark corn syrup, since dark syrup has a more pronounced molasses-like flavor from added coloring and flavoring not present in the light version.

Storing it

Store corn syrup in a sealed bottle in the pantry, where it keeps for a long time at room temperature without needing refrigeration.

Keeps about 2 years in the pantry.

Recipes that use corn syrup

More baking

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