Help Rename High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Now why would you suppose they want to rename it?

The Corn Refiners Association, which represents firms that make the syrup, has been trying to improve the image of the much maligned sweetener with ad campaigns promoting it as a natural ingredient made from corn. Now, the group has petitioned the United States Food and Drug Administration to start calling the ingredient “corn sugar,” arguing that a name change is the only way to clear up consumer confusion about the product.

–A New Name for High-Fructose Corn Syrup

“Clearly the name is confusing consumers,” said Audrae Erickson, president of the Washington-based group, in an interview. “Research shows that ‘corn sugar’ better communicates the amount of calories, the level of fructose and the sweetness in this ingredient.”

The companies that make high-fructose corn syrup want to pick a new name for the sweetener, so we’re asking Well readers to help.

We asked a panel of nutrition experts what they thought about the term “corn sugar,” which is the name suggested by the Corn Refiners Association. We also asked them to offer their own ideas.