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Tapioca Syrup

Processed

Also known as: cassava syrup, tapioca glucose syrup, organic tapioca syrup, tapioca syrup solids

What is Tapioca Syrup?

A processed sweetener made from cassava (tapioca) starch through enzymatic hydrolysis. Often marketed as a 'natural' alternative to corn syrup, but it's essentially the same thing — liquid glucose with a healthier-sounding name.

Tapioca syrup is made by breaking down cassava starch into simpler sugars using enzymes, the same process used to make corn syrup from cornstarch. The result is a thick, sweet liquid that is mostly glucose. Food manufacturers use it as a direct corn syrup replacement because it lets them avoid 'corn syrup' on the label while delivering the same sweetness and binding properties. It appears frequently in products marketed as 'natural,' 'organic,' or 'non-GMO' — not because it's healthier, but because cassava is not a common GMO crop like corn. Nutritionally, tapioca syrup is calorie-dense with virtually no vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It has a mid-to-high glycemic index, meaning it can cause blood sugar spikes, though the exact GI varies by how much the starch is broken down during processing. Used sparingly it isn't harmful, but its real purpose is marketing — it makes processed foods look cleaner on the label.

Health Warnings

  • âš Functionally identical to corn syrup — mostly glucose with no meaningful nutritional difference
  • âš Mid-to-high glycemic index can cause blood sugar spikes, problematic for diabetics
  • âš Calorie-dense with virtually no vitamins, minerals, or fiber
  • âš Its 'natural' reputation is a marketing strategy, not a health benefit

Healthier Alternatives

Whole fruitRaw honeyMaple syrupDate syrupBlackstrap molasses

Commonly Found In

'Natural' and organic protein barsGluten-free snacks and cookiesOrganic cereals and granolaGummy vitamins and supplementsHealth food energy bitesNon-GMO labeled candy and sweets

Related Ingredients

DextroseProcessed
MaltodextrinUltra-Processed

Did you know?

Tapioca syrup became popular in 'clean label' foods not because it's healthier than corn syrup, but because cassava isn't a GMO crop — so products can say 'non-GMO' and 'no corn syrup' while using a sweetener that works exactly the same way.

Sources & References

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