Corn Syrup Solids | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Corn syrup solids are dehydrated corn syrup (glucose syrup) produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of cornstarch, resulting in a dry, free-flowing powder composed primarily of glucose, maltose, and higher saccharides. They are widely used as sweeteners, bulking agents, carriers, and texture modifiers in powdered foods, infant formulas, coffee creamers, and processed snacks.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Corn syrup solids are composed of rapidly digestible carbohydrates and contribute to total sugar and caloric intake; excessive consumption is associated with weight gain, elevated blood glucose, and dental caries in the same manner as other nutritive sweeteners. No formal Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established by FDA, EFSA, or WHO, as corn syrup solids are treated as a conventional food ingredient (carbohydrate) rather than a food additive requiring toxicological limits. Individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance should monitor intake due to the high glycaemic index of glucose-based sugars.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Glucose syrup solids (dried glucose syrup) are permitted as a nutritive sweetener and food ingredient under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. No ADI is assigned as it is classified as a conventional carbohydrate food ingredient.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Glucose syrup and dried glucose syrup are defined and permitted under EU Directive 2001/111/EC relating to certain sugars intended for human consumption. Dried glucose syrup (corn syrup solids) must have a dextrose equivalent of not less than 20% on the dry matter and moisture content of not more than 6% by mass. It is regulated as a food ingredient (sugar), not a food additive; no E-number is assigned and no ADI applies.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Glucose syrup and related corn-derived starch hydrolysate products are permitted as food ingredients under FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. No specific ADI is established; used under GMP as sweetener and bulking agent.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	21 CFR 184.1865 affirms corn syrup as GRAS for use in food. Corn syrup solids (dried glucose syrup) fall under the same regulatory umbrella; must be declared on ingredient labels per 21 CFR labeling requirements.

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Diabetes — Corn syrup solids are composed predominantly of rapidly absorbed glucose and maltose with a high glycaemic index, which can cause sharp postprandial blood glucose spikes, requiring careful monitoring and portion control for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Infants — While corn syrup solids are used as a carbohydrate source in some infant formulas under regulatory oversight, routine addition to infant foods outside formulated products is not recommended; excessive sugar intake in infancy may affect appetite regulation and metabolic programming.

Children — WHO guidelines recommend limiting free sugars (including glucose from corn syrup solids) to less than 10% of total energy in children to reduce risks of obesity and dental caries.

Obesity — High intake of glucose-based sweeteners like corn syrup solids is associated with increased caloric intake and body weight gain per WHO and peer-reviewed meta-analyses, making moderation advisable for individuals managing weight.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Title 21 CFR Part 184.1865 — Corn Syrup (GRAS Affirmation). accessdata.fda.gov
2FDA. Substances Added to Food Inventory (formerly EAFUS) — Corn Syrup. accessdata.fda.gov
3WHO. WHO Guideline: Sugars Intake for Adults and Children (2015), 2015. who.int
4PubMed. Dietary sugars and body weight: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies (Te Morenga et al., BMJ 2012 updated), 2013. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5other. Council Directive 2001/111/EC Relating to Certain Sugars Intended for Human Consumption, 2001. eur-lex.europa.eu

Independently researched5 citations