October 2011/Prepared Foods-- A new, interactive tool from the Corn Refiners Association makes it easy for food and beverage marketers to compare high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and beet sugar prices. The “cost calculator,” now available on CornNaturally.com, highlights the financial benefits of using HFCS vs. beet sugar, says the association. The calculator works by allowing users to select either HFCS 42 or HFCS 55, then enter the dry weight volume in pounds. They can view USDA price data; the cost savings from using HFCS; and 10 years of historical price trends. The sweetener cost comparison calculator is available online at http://cornnaturally.com/tool-kit/cost-calculator.