Gotta love the Corn Refiners Association's counter-attack to promote High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).  They try to push it as natural and OK in moderation.  They also use scenarios where those avoiding it don't have a clue why.  It's the "Sweet Surprise" campaign, and it's both insidious, and stupid. Hopefully people know to research such claims.

So, why no HFCS?  

HFCS means  empty calories directly linked to diabetes, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and indirectly linked to heart disease. And it's a hefty carbon footprint, since it's heavily processed.

That's why.  Google it if you don't believe me.

So while the FDA thinks it's OK to say HFCS is "natural" on labels, in fact it is really only derived from a natural source. The FDA is very leary of distinguishing something overly processed that was originally "natural" as "artificial."  Personally, I think either theFDA is scared, or easily swayed.  I remember reading a bit about it in a weekly PR trade magazine, this initiative to counter the claims against it. It's up there with big tobacco trying to counter accusations that smoking isn't healthy.  The FDA helped the corn refiners this summer.

On top of that, it doesn't improve the taste of anything.  Don't believe me?  A great example is Dr. Pepper.  Try a 'regular' Dr. Pepper and try one from the Dublin Dr. Pepper, made with cane sugar.  Still some refined sugar, but the difference between the two is incredible.  Taste the difference between unrefined (cane) sugar, refined (cane) sugar, and any variation of corn syrup, and it's a world of difference. 

If you're going to excercise moderation, choose the lesser evil.