Snacks Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

Start with label literacy. In the U.S., "high fructose corn syrup" must be listed exactly like that; plain "corn syrup" is different (not the same fructose ratio). Outside the U.S., watch for "glucose-fructose syrup" or similar wording. If you’re avoiding HFCS but okay with sugar, you’ll often see cane sugar, invert sugar, or fruit juice concentrates. If you want lower sugar, look for “reduced sugar” or sugar-free options using stevia, sucralose, or allulose—and scan the Nutrition Facts to confirm total and added sugars. Specific picks: Real Foods Organic Corn Thins Sesame are great with nut butter or hummus; Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers pair well with salsa or guac; Ocean Spray Reduced Sugar Craisins hit the sweet-tart note with fewer sugars than classic versions; Quaker Popped Caramel Corn can satisfy a dessert-y craving without HFCS; and Snack Pack Sugar Free Gel cups are a low-sugar dessert if you’re comfortable with artificial sweeteners. For popcorn, many brands skip HFCS entirely—plain kernels plus your own seasoning is the most budget-friendly route. Where to save: store brands (Aldi, Target Good & Gather, Trader Joe’s) frequently undercut name brands while staying HFCS-free. Use unit prices per ounce, buy family sizes of dried fruit if you’ll actually use them, and catch seasonal promos. What to avoid: products that “stack” multiple sweeteners to taste ultra-sweet, or those with vague sweetener blends if transparency matters to you. And remember: formulas change—recheck labels, especially on flavored or limited-edition varieties.