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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58
I have also read labels that read tapioca maltodextrin? - anon50223
57
I have read in authoritative online locations (a celiac forum) that maltodextrin is acceptable and does not affect those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. - anon50222
56
I get major flatulence, diarrhea, uncontrollable bowel and leaking from maltodextrin, maltitol, and sucralose (Splenda), as are many others, I'm reading online, and spoke with another locally. It appears that folks with Spastic Colon/Irritable Bowel/IBS are unable to tolerate maltodextrin. I must buy all organic and health food products. Why is it added to all multivitamins? Not a flavor issue! I can control my own intake but am worried if I am ever hospitalized or must go to a nursing home or, God forbid, jail. It'll kill me. - anon50221
55
Wow, doesn't anyone moderate these idiotic posts? Maltodextrin has absolutely nothing to do with glutamic acid or MSG.
#50, do your research a little better. Try looking at chemistry, not marketing bs. - anon49882
Editor's reply: Every post is moderated. However, our posters do have the right to ask questions and express themselves.
54
This is in response to #39's post. Being a diabetic late in life is hard enough on any normal day. But there is such a limited choice for us to have much of a 'natural' source to gain sweetness to our coffee/tea. Kind of hard to do away with *all* the artificials out there.
- anon49709
53
When I eat seasonal and after about an hour I can tell when someone put seasonal in the food cause my eyes swell shut. And have to get antibiotic to get the swelling down What is this - anon49617
52
After taking several tests regarding allergies I found out that the main item I am allergic to is maltodextrin. To me it triggers seizures. I check all labels and without maltodextrin I am fine. - anon48297
51
Why eat packaged, processed, chemicalized quasi food products from multi-national conglomerates that don't care about about your health? Just eat fresh food and try to know where it all comes from. - anon47649
50
Maltodextrin contains free glutamic acid (think: MSG).
Do your research. Enjoy it if you're an adult and you want, but don't feed it to kids and *never* to infants (as in Similac and other baby formula.) Do your research! - anon47570
49
maltodextrin is completely void of any protein, thus it cannot induce a allergic reaction. - anon47280
48
I have a corn allergy so anything containing maltodextrin is pretty much out of the question for me. I wished that labels in the USA provided more accurate descriptions on which product it comes from. - anon44120
47
I'm so glad that I read some of these comments. I've been reading how maltodextrin is easily digestible. Ha! It's not for me. any time I eat or drink anything with it, I get painful gas and often explosive diarrhea. - anon43910
46
I have strong family history of Diabetes Type 2. I am 57 and my fasting glucose has slowly been edging up to around 94-112. I have weaned myself off diet sodas by using crystal light type drinks which contain maltodextrin. I drink a lot of it and even use it to make fruit smoothies. It keeps me from eating so much and helps substitute for my sweet tooth. Bottom line, is consuming this as I do creating more insulin resistance or increasing my blood sugars, or my weight? Thanks for the help. - anon43547
45
My previous post seems to have gotten lost so I'll try again. In the USA maltodextrin must be corn (or rice?) based so I wouldn't trust it in imported foods unless it's specifically labeled as not being wheat-based.
This rule doesn't apply to pharmaceuticals manufactured in the USA, however, so it would be prudent to find a well informed pharmacist who will let you know if any of your Rx's or OC meds contain maltodextrin. - anon43144
44
Recently I purchased a package of Stevia from Sam's Club. It says on the package, Other Ingredient: Maltodextrin. I called Members Mark and ask a few questions. It contained 50 MG of Stevia and 450 MG of Maltodextrin. After reading some of the comments, I have decided to return it. I am allergic to MSG, so thankful that I didn't use it. - anon42869
42
Maltodextrin is typically nearly tasteless, so I'm not sure that classifying it as "sweet" is correct. Get some for yourself at a brewery supply store (easiest place to find), mix it into water and see if you consider it "sweet.” I think you’ll find that it’s mostly neutral in taste. Endurance athletes and cyclists rely on maltodextrin for calorie intake on long rides and workouts. - anon40756
41
I just purchased another box of Stevia (I use this in my coffee/tea). My usual brand was not available so I bought a different brand. I didn't even *think* to read the label because it's stevia, right? Wrong! The first ingredient is maltodextrin! What a rip-off! However, that said, is says on the box that it is gluten-free product, for all you celiacs out there. Just read lables. If it is gluten free it will usually say so on the package, if not, don't purchase it and then be ill! As some of the posts show here, maltodextrin can be made several ways. Don't trust the word maltodextrin, check for gluten-free product on label. Also, thanks, didn't know that maltodextrin is another *crap* glutamate product. I just wasted a small wad of cash for a box of crap. Thought I was getting regular stevia again...ugh! - anon40163
40
There is maltodextrin made from wheat or corn. Apparently more wheat is being used at this time since corn is going into biofuel. I don't believe there is a way to know which is used. - anon39791
39
Don't use artificial sweeteners! The word "artificial" should give you a clue! And they all have side effects. - anon39684
38
Why do we have to continually come up with "substitutes"? Stevia is a perfectly natural, plant sweetener. You can actually eat the plant and grow it in your herb garden. No additives! No processing! What is so hard about that? - anon39683
37
For Pete's sake, will someone please answer the question about Celiac Disease and Maltodextrin. My husband is Celiac and we would like to know also. Thanks - anon39393
36
Is there any information stating that Maltodextrin can cause aching pain in the hands and arms? - anon39339
35
For the person who had IBS from maltodextrin, I do too. It took me almost a year to figure out what was making me so sick, but I am very allergic to this product. It is also called Maltrin, and I think highly related to tapioca starch. I get sick 30 or so minutes after consuming it, for hours or days. It seems to be in everything, and I must read every label of all packages. It a mini- nightmare for me. - anon38583
34
We used a liquid thickener called Thick-it that contains modified food starch and maltodextrin. He had explosive diarrhea and gas. Would this be from the maltodextrin or an allergy to corn products. - anon37214
33
I also have celiac desease. At first I was worried that maltodextrin was a form of malt, which I cannot have. But apparently not. But just as we have to watch out for ketchup etc. because of how it is processed... is this safe for us celiac sufferers?? Please answer soon... - anon37211
31
If you want sweets, have some ripe, organic berries for Pete's sake. - anon32834
30
How can I complete oxidation from maltodextrin? - anon30576
29
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
28
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
27
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
26
Can this product cause diarrhea in some people like artificial sweeteners do? - anon28024
25
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
24
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
23
I found out that it is also in Cheez Whiz. Is that why it is so plasticy? - anon26674
21
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
20
Why would this ingredient be included in an herbal bath powder? - anon19952
19
Can one purchase pure maltodextrin in powder form to use as a sweetner? - dankls
17
Can maltodextrin cause an elevated blood sugar or produce a sugar "rush"? - jollena
16
Maltodextrin IS an MSG product - anon17677
15
Maltodextrin can contain glutamic acid as a manufacturing by-product. That may be causing an MSG reaction. - anon15402
14
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
13
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
12
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
11
I have been having tongue and lip swelling and a seasoning may be the cause. It contains maltodetrin. Could maltdextrin cause swelling? - anon13271
10
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
9
Okay, sugars have 390 kcal/gram (3.9 Calories/gram), and maltodextrin has 4 kcal gram. - anon11893
8
Regular sugars are also 4 calories per gram, so how is maltodextrin considered lower calorie or a replacement for artificial sweeteners? - anon11892
7
Is maltodextrin safe for use with a dx of Celiac disease? - anon11843
6
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
5
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
4
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
1
Can somebody please tell me where can i find the medication named Maltodextrin SSH. It is a food additive. - anon5714
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Written by
Malcolm Tatum
Last Modified: 27 October 2009
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