It is a specific form of fructose, a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and honey. This refined product appears as clear, colorless crystals, similar in appearance to table sugar. Its production typically involves purifying and crystallizing fructose derived from corn or other plant sources.
This particular form of fructose is valued for its high sweetness intensity compared to sucrose (table sugar). This allows manufacturers to use less of it to achieve a desired level of sweetness in food and beverage products. It also possesses characteristics that enhance certain qualities in food, such as browning and texture. Historically, its introduction provided food manufacturers with a cost-effective alternative to other sweeteners.
