Fructose is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a sweetener due to its high sweetness level, which is about 1.2 to 1.8 times sweeter than sucrose. It is commonly found in soft drinks, fruit-flavored beverages, and processed foods like cereals, baked goods, and dairy products. Its ability to enhance flavors and improve texture makes it a popular choice in these applications. Additionally, fructose is used in sports and energy drinks because it provides a quick source of energy and is metabolized differently than glucose, making it beneficial for athletes. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in some medications and intravenous solutions as an energy source. Fructose is also utilized in the production of low-calorie and diabetic-friendly products, as it has a lower glycemic index compared to other sugars.