BBC

Glucose recipes

Sherbet dipper

Sherbet dipper

By Kitty Hope and Mark Greenwood

Made from maize starch, this clear white liquid is also known as liquid glucose, glucose syrup, or corn syrup. It normally comes in thick, viscous liquid form, but is sometimes available semi-solid or powdered. It is commercially manufactured by heating starch with various acids, which produces significant amounts of dextrin. It is less sweet than ordinary sugar.

Buyer's guide

Glucose is available from most supermarkets’ baking sections.

Storage

Store in a dry cupboard.

Preparation

Glucose is used commercially in instant energy drinks, and for increasing the sugar content of wine, beer, confectionery, ice creams, jams and syrups. It crystallises less easily than sugar, is cheaper, and does not have a flavour of its own. It is often used as a dietary supplement because it requires no digestion and goes directly into the bloodstream.

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