What beer uses high fructose corn syrup?

Answered by Jesse Garza

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that there are several beers on the market that use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an ingredient. One such example is Miller Lite and Coors Light, which both have corn syrup added directly into the boil during the process.

When it comes to brewing , there are a variety of ingredients that can be used to provide the with the sugars they need for fermentation. Common options include malted barley, wheat, and even certain types of sugars. In the case of Miller Lite and Coors Light, corn syrup is used as a source of sugar.

The addition of corn syrup during the boil helps to provide the yeast with the necessary sugars for fermentation. The yeast then consume these sugars and convert them into and carbon dioxide, resulting in the creation of beer.

It's worth noting that the use of corn syrup in brewing is not unique to Miller Lite and Coors Light. Many other beers on the market also utilize corn syrup or other sources of sugars to achieve the desired flavor profile.

However, it's important to understand that the presence of corn syrup in the brewing process does not necessarily mean that the final beer will taste like corn syrup. In fact, a hallmark of the American Light style, to which Miller Lite and Coors Light belong, is a very clean taste and low levels of overall flavor.

The use of corn syrup in brewing is primarily a means to provide the yeast with the necessary sugars for fermentation. The yeast will consume the sugar supplied to them, regardless of its source, and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide as a result. The end result is a beer that is light and crisp, with subtle flavors and a clean finish.

In my personal experience as a brewer, I have found that the use of corn syrup in brewing can be a useful tool for achieving a desired flavor profile. It can help to create a beer that is light in body and low in residual sweetness, which is often desired in American light lagers.

The use of high fructose corn syrup in brewing is just one of many techniques that brewers employ to create a wide range of beer styles. While some may have concerns about the use of corn syrup in beer, it's important to remember that the end result is what matters most – the taste and enjoyment of the beer itself.