The below are excerpts from an article first published by Westfair Business Journal on August 21, 2025.
A doctor weighs in on the cane sugar versus high fructose corn syrup debate
For a medical take on cane sugar cola versus high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) cola, we reached out to Tammy Tavdy, D.O., an endocrinologist with the Scarsdale Medical Group in Harrison.
Why are we hearing so much about replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in sodas now?
“The increased prevalence of metabolic disease worldwide has heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive sugar consumption. Moreover, there has been much controversy concerning the differences between sucrose and high fructose corn syrup with respect to their impacts on metabolic health.
“Sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are both considered to be sweeteners, but they differ in their origins and compositions. Sucrose (common forms including brown and white sugars) derives from the sugar cane plant. HFCS derives from corn starch, which via enzymatic processing breaks down into glucose and is then blended into the syrup. It is this 'processing' component that sparks a great deal of controversy with respect to HFCS containing products.”
Is there a health benefit to using sugar as a “natural” ingredient? Isn’t sugar just sugar?
“Physiologically, we process sucrose and HFCS very differently. Intake of HFCS does not lead to a ‘glucose spike.’ Therefore, insulin secretion is not stimulated, and the result is that fructose gets stored into adipose tissue (fat storage). Sucrose, on the other hand, does lead to a ‘glucose spike,’ thereby triggering an insulin response. As a result, the byproducts of the sucrose (glucose and fructose) are used as energy sources by various tissues in the body. The caveat here is that if there is an excess intake in the sucrose, the body will store this into the adipose tissue, also leading to fat storage.”
How much sugar should we be consuming daily?
“The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the total intake of free or added sugars from all sources should be kept below 25 grams per day (about 6 teaspoons) for optimal cardiometabolic health. A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains HFCS as its primary sweetener – approximately 39 grams of added sugar. As you can see, one can of soda very easily exceeds the daily recommended intake.”
What about sugar substitutes? Are these and the diet sodas that contain them healthy alternatives?
“The American Cancer Society does not condemn artificial sweeteners and does not explicitly state a direct link between sugar substitutes and cancer risk. Aspartame has been classified as a ‘possible carcinogen,’ so use of a natural sweetener such as stevia in lieu of aspartame would have its benefits.
“For patients with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recognizes non-nutritive sweeteners as acceptable alternatives as they do not affect glycemic control.”
Fruit would seem to be a natural source of sweetness. What is the recommended daily requirement?
“Daily fruit recommendations for adults are at least two servings per day. It is always best to choose whole fruits over fruit juices as whole fruits help to retain fiber. Low sugar fruits include berries, grapefruit and avocados. High sugar fruits include mangoes, grapes, pineapple, bananas. It is best to pair high sugar fruits with fiber to help slow digestion. Smoothies are also a great option, but whole fruit is generally better as you do lose some fiber from the fruit during the blending, which can lead to a higher glucose spike.”
Dr. Tammy Tavdy is a double board-certified endocrinologist at Scarsdale Medical Group in Harrison, NY. To make an appointment, call 914.723.8100.