Dextrose is the name of a simple sugar made from corn or wheat that’s chemically identical to glucose, or blood sugar. It is commonly found in items such as processed foods and corn syrup It is often used in baking products as a sweetener and it helps them brown more easily.

It’s also used in wine because it improves the fermentation process. Dextrose is also used to preserve packaged foods and extend their shelf life because it’s not as sweet as other sugars, such as sucrose. It slows down the crystallization process in syrups, fondant and candy.