What is Maltodextrin?
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As a rather common additive to a number of different types of foods, maltodextrin is classified as a sweet polysaccharide. While containing sweet qualities, maltodextrin is considered to contain fewer calories than sugar. Here are some examples of how maltodextrin is made from natural foods, as well as how maltodextrin can be used in a number of recipes.
While considered to be a carbohydrate, maltodextrin is understood to be more easily digested than some other forms of carbohydrates, leaving behind less of the potential for health issues. This can be especially important for an individual who is trying to manage their Type 2 diabetes with their diet. Usually made from rice, corn, or potato starch, maltodextrin is produced by cooking down the starch. During the cooking process, which is often referred to as a hydrolysis of starch, natural enzymes and acids help to break down the starch even further. The end result is a simple white powder that contains roughly four calories per gram, and extremely small amounts of fiber, fat, and protein.
Around the kitchen, maltodextrin is among some of the most usable of the dextrin family. At least one of the major artificial sweeteners relies on a base of maltodextrin. This means the substance can often be found in packaged goods such as instant pudding and flavored gelatins. The sweet taste of maltodextrin makes is a closer approximation to the taste of sugar, which makes it ideal for use in sweetening teas, coffee, and powdered soft drinks. Maltodextrin can also be used as a thickening agent in a number of sauces and salad dressings.
While there is some amount of uneasiness with just about any type of food additive, it is important to remember that maltodextrin is an example of dextrin products that are derived from a natural source. While maltodextrin is a processed additive, the natural basis for the product helps to make it easier for the body to digest than many other forms of sugar substitutes.
Also, anyone who wants to watch their intake of carbohydrates or sugar will find that maltodextrin is a very helpful substance to have around the house. Whether using maltodextrin to sweeten liquids, or to help thicken a broth or gravy for a casserole, or just as a way to add a little sweetness without the calories, maltodextrin is an inexpensive and safe way to get the taste you want. As a bonus, you can have the sweet taste and not have to be concerned about many of the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners.
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Discuss this Article
If you want sweets, have some ripe, organic berries for Pete's sake.
- anon32834
How can I complete oxidation from maltodextrin?
- anon30576
hi I was wondering if maltodextrin could cause bloating. I have been drinking this green tea drink that has that in it and numerous other things like xyitol and mannitol. What do you know about these ingredients and are they supposed to make you full before you eat? thank you, sharon bass
- anon29672
to the question about maltodextrin as a fiber source, there is an ingredient called Fibersol made my ADM which is a source of soluble dietary fiber - it is labeled "maltodextrin" on many food products but is very different from regular maltodextrin which does not contain fiber. this kind of resistant maltodextrin is a prebiotic (feeds "good" bacteria in the colon, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system). it also has a very low glycemic index (less than 10) because it is broken down (digested) very slowly.
- anon29074
want to ask the same question as JOLLENA.. Does maltodextrin have a known glycemic index value? Part of my research says it is similar to glucose. This is alarming, being that glucose has a gi index of 100 and sugar is only 60. This is important to know if your diabetic.
- mrbill
Can this product cause diarrhea in some people like artificial sweeteners do?
- anon28024
Some Ultra-marathon runners consume maltodextrin at the rate of about 280 to 300 calories per hour to maintain energy levels over the many hours of extreme exertion required to compete in ultra-marathon training and competition. Mixed with water, it provides base calorie replacement, but does not generally upset the stomach. It also releases calories evenly avoiding the spikes and valleys of fructose based energy drinks. Over a 100 mile race distance, an ultra-runner may consume something on the order of 6,000 to 8,000 calories of maltodextrin over a 20 hour span of time.
- anon27997
It is best to stay away from these super processed additives. Brown rice syrup is better..maybe not calorie-wise, but definitely better as a sugar alternative with little or no sugar spike...great for making cakes with kamut/spelt flour.....now that is healthy. There is also Stevia and Xylitol too as great natural healthy sweeteners.
- anon26976
I found out that it is also in Cheez Whiz. Is that why it is so plasticy?
- anon26674
I don't know the medical implications of how maltodextrin causes headaches, but I know with 100% certainty that I get massive headaches whenever I consume products with it. It may be it's connection to MSG, as I also get headaches from MSG. I drank a Kemper's Rootbeer, not knowing that it contained maltodextrin and I instantly got a headache that lasted all day. These companies should consider that there are millions of people that are adversely affected by maltodextrin.
- nasuent
Why would this ingredient be included in an herbal bath powder?
- anon19952
Can one purchase pure maltodextrin in powder form to use as a sweetner?
- dankls
Can maltodextrin cause an elevated blood sugar or produce a sugar "rush"?
- jollena
Maltodextrin IS an MSG product
- anon17677
Maltodextrin can contain glutamic acid as a manufacturing by-product. That may be causing an MSG reaction.
- anon15402
I didn't ever see an answer to whether or not maltodextrin is safe to use for persons with celiacs. (For example, it's an ingredient in instant breakfasts, some lunchmeat, etc, etc.) Any info?
- glutenfree2
Why would someone market this product as a fiber supplement? They tout it as a "sugar free" supplement to help add fiber to your diet????
- anon14462
Allergic reactions to food additives and different spices is not unusual. What is fine for one person may cause problems for another person. Try backing off the seasoning that contains the maltodextrin and substitute with similar product containing the same spices. If you have the same reaction with the substitute product, then you know it is one of the spices in the seasoning and not the maltodextrin.
- mdt
I have been having tongue and lip swelling and a seasoning may be the cause. It contains maltodetrin. Could maltdextrin cause swelling?
- anon13271
The main difference is not so much in the number of calories per gram, but the way that the carbohydrates in the maltodextrin convert to sugar in the system.
Persons who are in a prediabetic state or who are managing diabetes using diet understand making dietary decisions that are less likely to cause blood glucose levels to spike. Since maltodextrin tends to not cause glucose spikes the way processed table sugar does, it is possible to have something sweet now and again. This is similar to the way that some diabetics may be able to have a slice of whole grain bread and not experience a spike like they would by consuming a piece of bleached white bread with the same or even a lesser number of carbs. The body simply uses the food more efficiently and turns it into energy quicker. Of course, what works for persons with diabetes is also likely to work for others. This is pretty good news for people who don't care for some of the other popular sweetening alternatives on the market today. - mdt
Okay, sugars have 390 kcal/gram (3.9 Calories/gram), and maltodextrin has 4 kcal gram.
- anon11893
Regular sugars are also 4 calories per gram, so how is maltodextrin considered lower calorie or a replacement for artificial sweeteners?
- anon11892
Is maltodextrin safe for use with a dx of Celiac disease?
- anon11843
The grittiness of the Kraft Light Smooth peanut butter is caused by the reduced oils. It's the same texture you get in organic peanut butter that has separated.
- anon10507
Maltodextrin can alter the texture somewhat, since it is often used as a thickener. However, maltodextrin usually has a very fine texture. I doubt that it is the maltodextrin that is causing the gritty texture in the peanut butter; possibly it has more to do with the preparation process used with the peanuts.
I am not familiar with maltodextrin SSH, but you may want to check with a pharmacist. They often know about over the counter medications as well as prescription medications. - mdt
I've recently bought some Kraft Light Smooth peanut butter. It seems to have an underlying gritty sensation. The only additive I can see is Maltodextrin. Is this what's giving it the gritty sensation? I definitely don't like the grit....
- anon9572
Can somebody please tell me where can i find the medication named Maltodextrin SSH. It is a food additive.
- anon5714
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