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Corn syrup solids

Corn syrup solids suppliers and sourcing guide

Corn syrup solids are corn syrup that has been dried to a powder, usually by spray drying or drum drying. Corn starch is partly broken down with acids or enzymes into glucose, maltose and longer glucose chains, then refined, concentrated and dried. Products are specified by dextrose equivalent (DE): dried starch hydrolysates below DE 20 are sold as maltodextrin, and those at DE 20 and above as corn syrup solids. Brands buy them as a mild sweetener, bulking agent and carrier in drink mixes, creamers, infant formula and coatings.

Also known as
Dried glucose syrup · Dried corn syrup · Glucose syrup solids · Corn sirup solids
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of corn syrup solids

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • By DE

    Common grades include DE 24, 30, 36 and 42; higher DE means more sweetness, faster dissolving and more browning.

  • Agglomerated

    Agglomerated powders that wet and disperse without lumping, used in drink mixes and creamers.

  • Other starch sources

    Tapioca, rice and wheat syrup solids are made the same way for allergen, non-GMO or label reasons.

  • Non-GMO and organic

    Non-GMO verified corn grades, with organic needs usually met by organic tapioca or rice syrup solids.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Dextrose equivalent
DE by Lane-Eynon titration or an equivalent reducing-sugar method, against the grade range.
Carbohydrate profile
Glucose, maltose and higher sugars by HPLC, which predicts sweetness and browning.
Moisture or total solids
Loss on drying or Karl Fischer; the US standard of identity sets minimum total solids.
Sulfated ash and sulfur dioxide
Both are limited in the glucose syrup standard of identity.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier specification or the buyer's own limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, which matter most when the ingredient goes uncooked into powders, capsules or tablets.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in lined bags in a cool, dry room; corn syrup solids are hygroscopic and cake when they pick up moisture, more so at higher DE. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock is checked for moisture, flow and color.

Lots and expiry dates

DE, moisture and bulk density vary within a grade and change sweetness, dissolving speed and fill weight. Record DE and source starch per lot and keep the source consistent for allergen or non-GMO claims.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 168.121 names dried glucose syrup "Dried glucose sirup" or "Glucose sirup solids", allows corn-derived product to be named "Corn sirup solids", and allows "syrup" spelling.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Under 21 CFR 168.121, total solids must be not less than 93.0 percent when the dextrose equivalent is less than 88.0 percent (dry basis), and not less than 90.0 percent otherwise.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • 21 CFR 184.1865 affirms corn syrup, which may also occur in dehydrated form (dried glucose sirup), as GRAS with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists corn syrup solids (dried corn syrup) with non-medicinal purposes of diluent and sweetening agent.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Corn syrup solids suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

  • Grain Processing Corporation

    Manufacturer · Muscatine, IA

    Family-owned US corn processor making maltodextrins, corn syrup solids, tapioca maltodextrins and food starches for food, beverage, supplement and personal care formulators.

    • BRCGS
    • Kosher
    • Halal
    • Non-GMO

Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.

Frequently asked questions

What forms of corn syrup solids can brands buy?

Common forms include by DE, agglomerated, other starch sources and non-GMO and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for corn syrup solids include?

Expect dextrose equivalent, carbohydrate profile, moisture or total solids, sulfated ash and sulfur dioxide, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should corn syrup solids be stored?

Store sealed in lined bags in a cool, dry room; corn syrup solids are hygroscopic and cake when they pick up moisture, more so at higher DE. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock is checked for moisture, flow and color.

What is the regulatory status of corn syrup solids?

21 CFR 168.121 names dried glucose syrup "Dried glucose sirup" or "Glucose sirup solids", allows corn-derived product to be named "Corn sirup solids", and allows "syrup" spelling. Under 21 CFR 168.121, total solids must be not less than 93.0 percent when the dextrose equivalent is less than 88.0 percent (dry basis), and not less than 90.0 percent otherwise. 21 CFR 184.1865 affirms corn syrup, which may also occur in dehydrated form (dried glucose sirup), as GRAS with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists corn syrup solids (dried corn syrup) with non-medicinal purposes of diluent and sweetening agent.

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