Which type of sweetener is primarily found in a wide range of food products due to its lower cost?

High-fructose corn syrup is widely used in food products primarily because of its cost-effectiveness and ability to enhance flavors in a variety of foods and beverages. It is derived from corn and has been a popular sweetener since it provides a similar level of sweetness to that of sucrose (table sugar), but at a lower price due to the abundance and processing of corn in the United States. This makes it an economical choice for manufacturers, resulting in its prevalence in many grocery items, particularly soft drinks and packaged foods.

The other sweeteners listed have varying uses and cost factors. Saccharin, while one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, is often used in smaller quantities and is not as commonly found in as many food products today. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used primarily in diet products, but its production and regulatory constraints can affect its cost and market presence. Sucralose, although popular for its high sweetness intensity, is also more expensive to produce and therefore may not be as ubiquitous in the marketplace as high-fructose corn syrup.