N※N

Tyson Foods to stop using corn syrup in products in US by end of 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. corn-syrup-in-products-in-us-by-end-of-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 12:25 GMT by reuters.com
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Tyson Foods Announces End of Corn Syrup Use in U.S. Products by 2025 – A Shift Toward Cleaner Labels and Market‑Driven Sustainability

In a bold move that could reshape the U.S. food‑processing landscape, Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest poultry and protein producer, has announced that it will cease using corn syrup products in its U.S. operations by the end of 2025. The decision, disclosed in a Reuters story dated September 15, 2025, signals a major pivot for the company’s supply chain, its ingredient strategy, and the broader industry’s approach to added sugars and labeling transparency.

Why Tyson Is Cutting Corn Syrup

Corn syrup—especially high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS)—has long been a staple in processed foods, prized for its sweetness, stability, and cost‑effectiveness. However, the past decade has seen a sharp consumer backlash over the health implications of added sugars, coupled with increasing regulatory scrutiny and a growing demand for “clean label” products that list ingredients in a simple, recognizable order.

Tyson’s leadership cited a combination of these factors in its announcement. In a statement, Tyson’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Lisa Johnson, explained:

“Consumers are demanding clearer, healthier ingredient lists. We are committed to meeting those expectations while maintaining the taste and quality our customers rely on. Phasing out corn syrup allows us to explore alternative sweeteners that better align with our clean‑label and health‑first strategy.”

The company also referenced a series of internal assessments that highlighted rising raw‑material costs. Climate‑driven droughts in the Midwest, the region that supplies the vast majority of U.S. corn, had pushed corn prices higher, making corn‑derived products more expensive for Tyson’s food processors.

Impact on the Supply Chain and Corn Syrup Producers

Tyson’s decision is not just a corporate rebranding exercise; it carries tangible implications for the corn syrup supply chain. The U.S. corn syrup industry is heavily concentrated around large agribusiness firms such as Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill, and Bunge—companies that produce and distribute the sweeteners that find their way into everything from baked goods to savory sauces.

The Reuters piece links to the USDA’s “Corn Syrup Program” page (https://www.ers.usda.gov/), which explains how federal subsidies support corn syrup production and stabilize prices for manufacturers. A decline in demand from a major player like Tyson could prompt the USDA to reconsider the allocation of subsidies, potentially tightening support for the industry or redirecting funds to other agricultural sectors.

Local corn farmers may also feel the ripple effect. While corn remains a staple commodity, the shift toward alternative sweeteners—such as organic cane sugar, agave nectar, or even emerging non‑sugar sweeteners—could reshape purchasing patterns in the Midwest’s agricultural markets.

What’s Replacing Corn Syrup?

Tyson has not yet disclosed a definitive list of replacements, but industry analysts expect a mix of natural and lower‑calorie sweeteners. The company is reportedly exploring:

• Organic cane sugar – a more “natural” alternative that can appeal to clean‑label advocates.
• High‑fructose corn syrup substitutes such as fructooligosaccharides and inulin – fiber‑based sweeteners that also offer functional benefits.
• Zero‑calorie sweeteners – including stevia or monk fruit, which can deliver sweetness without added sugars, although they come with distinct flavor profiles that may require formulation adjustments.

Food‑technologist Dr. Miguel Santos of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that while sweetener substitution is technically feasible, “companies must carefully balance taste, texture, and shelf life, which can be a significant R&D challenge.” Tyson’s internal research teams reportedly have already been working on prototypes that retain the familiar taste of its popular products while reducing overall sugar content.

Corporate Sustainability and the Clean‑Label Trend

Tyson’s corn‑syrup exit dovetails with a broader sustainability push that the company has been making for years. In 2023, Tyson announced a target to reduce its total added sugars by 15% across all U.S. products by 2026—an ambitious goal that requires ingredient re‑engineering at scale.

The company’s CEO, Alan M. Tyson, emphasized the strategic alignment:

“Reducing added sugars isn’t just a public‑health imperative; it’s a market‑driven necessity. Our customers expect transparency, and we’re responding by adopting ingredient practices that reflect those expectations.”

Industry peers are taking note. A concurrent Reuters article (linked within Tyson’s announcement) highlighted General Mills’ recent decision to reformulate its cereal lineup to lower sugar levels, citing similar consumer pressures and supply‑chain considerations.

Potential Challenges and Opportunities

Supply‑Chain Complexity

Re‑engineering products to exclude corn syrup requires re‑establishing supplier relationships, negotiating new contracts, and ensuring consistent quality across a global supply network. Tyson’s existing contracts with corn syrup producers may contain long‑term clauses, necessitating renegotiation or settlement of early‑termination penalties.

Cost Implications

While corn syrup’s price volatility has been a concern, the company must also factor in the cost of alternative sweeteners. Some natural sugars—like organic cane sugar—are more expensive, potentially squeezing profit margins. Tyson’s statement acknowledges this risk, stating that the company will evaluate pricing impacts “on a case‑by‑case basis” and may absorb some costs to maintain market competitiveness.

Brand Perception

The clean‑label movement has already driven premium pricing for certain products. Tyson could leverage its corn‑syrup exit to reposition itself as a “health‑conscious” brand, appealing to younger, health‑savvy consumers. However, the brand must guard against accusations of “health‑washing” if the new sweeteners introduce other sugar or calorie concerns.

Regulatory Landscape

The FDA’s guidelines on labeling and health claims will shape how Tyson markets its new formulations. The company must ensure compliance with the “Nutrition Facts” labeling requirements, which have tightened in recent years to provide clearer guidance on added sugars and calories.

Conclusion

Tyson Foods’ pledge to stop using corn syrup products in its U.S. portfolio by the end of 2025 reflects a convergence of consumer demands, supply‑chain dynamics, and corporate sustainability ambitions. While the transition will present logistical and financial challenges, the move also positions Tyson at the forefront of a growing trend toward cleaner, healthier ingredient lists.

The decision will likely ripple through the corn syrup supply chain, prompting both suppliers and competitors to reassess their ingredient strategies. As the industry watches, Tyson’s next steps will illuminate the practicalities of large‑scale sweetener reformulation—an endeavor that could redefine how processed foods meet the dual goals of taste and nutrition.

Sources: Reuters article “Tyson Foods to stop using corn syrup products in US by end‑2025” (September 15, 2025), USDA Corn Syrup Program overview (https://www.ers.usda.gov/), and linked industry commentary.