Maltodextrinis a plant-based white powder made from corn, potato, rice, wheat, or tapioca.
It is widely used as a filler, preservative, and thickener in foods and beverages.
Although maltodextrin and sucrose (table sugar) are both carbohydrates, they differ.
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Unlike sucrose, maltodextrin is not sweet.
Both table sugar and maltodextrin contain four calories per gram.
What Is the Glycemic Index?
Theglycemic indexis a ranking system for how different carbohydrates affect blood sugars.
Maltodextrin can be found inprocessed foodslike:
Maltodextrin is also found insugar substituteslike Splenda.
What Are Food Additives?
What Is Maltodextrin Used For?
Maltodextrin is widely used in food processing since it is an inexpensiveadditive.
Maltodextrin helps preserve food and extend shelf life by maintaining moisture levels.
Maltodextrin acts as a thickener in processed foods.
It can easily dissolve, spread, bind, and carry other flavors.
Its added to foods like salad dressings and sauces to create a thick consistency.
This is because even though it may come from wheat, it is a by-product of wheat.
It doesnt contain gluten and is considered safe for individuals who must follow agluten-free diet.
When Is It Unsafe?
Maltodextrin is safe to eat.
However, there are some caveats for people with diabetes or gut inflammation.
Diabetes
Maltodextrin can raise blood sugar levels.
Foods that are low-sugar or no-sugar, may also contain maltodextrin.
However, these studies are primarily done in mice, meaning results may not be the same in humans.
They can still lead to a blood sugar spike.
Summary
Maltodextrin is anadditiveused as a preservative, thickener, and bulking agent.
It is derived from corn, potato, rice, wheat, or tapioca starches.
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