NATURAL NEWS

• Tyson Foods will eliminate high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS), sucralose, preservatives BHA/BHT and the coloring agent titanium dioxide from all its U.S. branded products by the end of 2025.
• This move is voluntary and part of Tyson's broader push for "cleaner labels," having already removed petroleum‑based synthetic dyes earlier this year.
• The change applies across many of its well‑known brands, including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Wright, State Fair, Aidells and IBP.
• Tyson states that while the removed ingredients are FDA‑approved and deemed safe, consumer demand and health concerns over additives, sugars and processed foods are driving the shift.
• The decision aligns with broader regulatory and political trends, such as the U.S. administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which is pushing for reductions in artificial additives and excessive sugars.

Tyson Foods has announced that it will remove high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from all of its domestic branded products by the end of this year. The meatpacking giant, which owns brands like Jimmy Dean, Ball Park and Hillshire, made the declaration on Sept. 15, declaring it will also eliminate sucralose (an artificial sweetener), the preservatives BHA and BHT and the coloring agent titanium dioxide.

The decision comes voluntarily, as part of Tyson's ongoing efforts to reduce sodium, added sugars and other additives in its product portfolio. Earlier this year in May, the company removed petroleum‑based synthetic dyes from its branded products across the country. "We continuously review and assess our product portfolio to ensure the highest quality products that meet the needs of consumers," said Donnie King, Tyson's president and CEO, adding that the move reflects the company's commitment to "feeding the world like family, while preserving the taste, value and integrity" of its brands. (Related: Flavorings, sweeteners and dyes in junk food tied to early death, major study warns.)

Tyson, which processes about 20 percent of the U.S. beef, pork and chicken supply, is aligning itself with the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The campaign has urged food companies to phase out food additives that are linked in some studies with long‑term health concerns. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also initiated or accelerated reviews of several additives including BHA/BHT and titanium dioxide. As context, in July Coca‑Cola announced a version of Coke sweetened with U.S. cane sugar, though its main product line will continue using HFCS.

Critics of HFCS argue that its widespread use in processed and ultra-processed foods contributes to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health issues. Health authorities emphasize that while HFCS is just one source of added sugar, the cumulative effect of added sugars and chemical additives in diets dominated by processed foods is a major public health concern.

Alternatives to high‑fructose corn syrup

With companies like Tyson moving away from HFCS, consumers and food producers alike are seeking healthier substitutes. Several natural or less‑processed sweeteners and strategies can serve as viable alternatives:

• Honey: A common go‑to, honey not only provides sweetness but also includes antioxidants and some enzymatic or antimicrobial properties.
• Pure maple syrup: Derived from tree sap, it offers mineral content (such as manganese and zinc) and a distinct flavor. Useful in baking, glazing and as a topping.
• Golden syrup/cane sugar syrup: These invert sugar syrups behave similarly to corn syrup in many recipes (e.g. maintaining moisture or soft texture) and are often used 1:1 as substitutes.
• Molasses: Rich in flavor, thick in consistency and containing minerals. Best in recipes where its robust taste complements the other ingredients (such as dark baked goods or sauces).
• Brown rice syrup: A milder sweet syrup made from rice, sometimes used when avoiding fructose‑rich sweeteners, though it may have a high glycemic index.
• Agave nectar: While it is natural, it tends to have a higher fructose content depending on processing, so moderation is key.
• Stevia and other non‑caloric plant‑based sweeteners: For those seeking sweetness without calories or sugar spikes, stevia is an option. It's highly sweet (so less is needed) and doesn't impact blood sugar the way caloric sweeteners do.

Beyond swapping sweeteners, another strategy is to reduce reliance on heavily‑processed foods, increase whole-foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains) and cut down on overall added sugar intake rather than just the type of sugar.

According to Brighteon AI's Enoch, Tyler Foods' decision to phase out high fructose corn syrup is a significant step towards healthier food options, reflecting a growing consumer awareness of the dangers of processed sugars. This move not only supports individual health but also challenges the status quo of the processed food industry, which has long prioritized profit over public health. By choosing natural sweeteners, Tyler Foods is aligning with the principles of natural health and personal liberty, empowering consumers to make informed choices that benefit their well-being and the environment.

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