And why is it popular?
Because for decades Americans have paid generally more than twice the world price for sugar, due to tariffs intended to protect American sugar cane and sugar beet farmers from competition. HFCS therefore becomes much more attractive price-wise than it would be without the tariffs.
So for a single policy we get to: A. pay twice the price for sugar; B. destroy the Everglades; and; C. become obsese.
Hooray for protective tariffs!