A new proposal in Congress is taking aim at one of the most common sweeteners in the American food supply. On September 3, 2026, Rep. Nancy Mace introduced the REAL Sugar Act, formally H.R. 10278, which would prohibit the use of high-fructose corn syrup in food under federal law. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has not yet become law.
High-fructose corn syrup is widely used in products including soft drinks, cereals, sauces, flavored yogurt, candy, and other processed foods. Supporters of the bill argue that reducing reliance on highly processed added sugars could encourage manufacturers to reformulate products and help consumers make healthier choices. At the same time, nutrition experts generally emphasize that overall added-sugar intake matters, not simply one type of sweetener.
If passed, the proposal could force major changes across the food industry and alter the ingredients in many familiar products. For now, it remains only a proposed...