Final answer:
The sugar described is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener cheaper to produce than sucrose and commonly used in the food industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sugar that is generally 55% fructose, used extensively in the food industry, and cheaper to produce than sucrose is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is a sweetener made from corn and is used in many foods and beverages, primarily because it is less expensive than sucrose, which is commonly known as table sugar. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. However, since HFCS's introduction in the 1970s, there has been a significant increase in sugar consumption, and concerns have been raised about its association with the rise in obesity rates. This led to manufacturers attempting a rename of HFCS to 'corn sugar', which the FDA did not accept. The relative sweetness of HFCS to sucrose and its widespread use have significantly impacted dietary habits.