I'm not going to go crazy on this one, I just think that the ubiquitousness of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the prepared foods available to Americans is a perfect example of the government doing pretty much the opposite of their job. In the interest of keeping a couple of major corporations profitable, our government subsidizes corn to such a point of market oversaturation that they have had to come up with uses for it. So, besides being the subject of misguided plans to make it fuel, it is in all (ok most) of our processed food.
As a result of my feelings, I pretty much reject not only brands but many products. I will either do without or make my own. The problem has gotten so out of hand that in many cases there seem to be no good substitutes. Take ketchup, for example.
There are many ketchups available in the market that contain sugar as opposed to high fructose corn syrup (for an awesome, homemade one get the burger at Savoy) but, as a rule, they take themselves too seriously and end up tasting like a tomato-based sauce plus some other flavor. Consequently, I had replaced the ketchup for my fries with things like hot sauce, until we found Annie's Naturals ketchup on Fresh Direct. It's great -- a little sour, a little sweet, a little garlicky, a little oniony, just like regular ketchup, except maybe a little better from its use of real sugar as opposed to HFCS. I strongly suggest trying it. Strike back at a ridiculous farm subsidy system, as well as adult onset diabetes and the rampant overweight problem, just by switching to this or some other non HFCS ketchup.
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