Maltodextrin (or food additive E1400) is a polysaccharide that has a number of uses in food. It is generally produced from starch by partial hydrolysis and is often used to add body and texture to certain foods. It can be found in snacks and sweets, but can also be used as an ingredient in gluten-free products. Maltodextrin is considered safe for human consumption, but the amounts that might be consumed can cause some concern among health experts.
What is maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate obtained by hydrolysis of starch. It is used as a food additive and as a filler in commercially prepared foods, principally sweets and desserts. Maltodextrins are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce pills of uniform size and to bind water-insoluble drugs. ( 1)
Maltodextrin is a white powder that has a sweet taste. Maltodextrin can be used as a food additive to thicken or add texture to foods, or as a filler in low-calorie foods. It’s also used in sports drinks and energy bars as an energy source.
Maltodextrin is made from starch and has many different types of starch in it. Starch is a long chain of sugar molecules that are broken down into maltose sugar molecules using enzymes called amylases. The larger starch chains break down into smaller molecules with fewer sugars per molecule (maltose).
What is maltodextrin made from?
Maltodextrin is a food additive made from starch. It’s used in many processed foods, including ice cream, salad dressings, instant pudding, and gravy mixes.
Maltodextrin is made from either corn or wheat starch. The starch is cooked in water until it forms a thick syrup that’s dried into a powder.
Maltodextrin has a neutral taste and dissolves easily in cold water. It has no nutritional value but provides bulk to foods so they feel more satisfying to eat.
People with diabetes should use caution when consuming maltodextrin because it can raise blood sugar levels quickly if you don’t compensate for it by eating fewer carbohydrates at your next meal or snack.
What is maltodextrin made of?
Maltodextrin is a product of incomplete hydrolysis of starch. Polysaccharides and tetrasaccharides, as well as maltotriose, maltose, and glucose, are included in its small-chain molecules.
There is a close relationship between its functional properties and the composition of reducing sugars. A maltodextrin’s sweetness, viscosity, hygroscopicity, and other properties will be affected by its reducing sugar composition.
Let’s take a closer look.
- In DE 4-6, all compounds are large molecules over tetrasaccharides.
- In DE 9-12, there are more high-molecular glucose units than low-molecular glucose units, no sweetness, and it is hard to brown and absorb moisture.
- DE 13-17, which is low in sweetness, has a low reducing sugar ratio, is soluble and can produce sufficient viscosity in food.
- The DE18-20 will have a slight sweetness, greater moisture absorption, and browning effects.
What is maltodextrin used for?
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate made from starch that has been broken down into smaller chains of sugars. It has a sweet taste but contains fewer calories than sugar because it’s absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream.
Maltodextrin is used in place of sugar to add flavor or texture to foods and beverages, including ice cream, candy, fruit juice, baked goods, breakfast cereals and salad dressings. Some companies use maltodextrin as a filler in low-calorie foods such as cookies and crackers because it absorbs water to give an overall fuller texture without adding calories or carbohydrates. It’s also used in some supplements because it has no flavor or odor so it can be added easily to other ingredients without altering their taste or smell.
Some bodybuilders use maltodextrin as an ingredient in protein shakes because it can help prevent muscle fatigue during workouts by supplying glucose for energy production without adding calories or fat to the diet.
Maltodextrin is also one of the ingredients in some energy drinks and weight-loss supplements. The added carbs help to give you more energy or curb your appetite so you can lose weight faster than if you were just drinking water or eating straight protein without anything else in between meals.
How is maltodextrin made?
Maltodextrin is made from cornstarch or rice starch that has been cooked under pressure with enzymes. This process breaks down the starch into glucose molecules and produces a white powder with a sweet taste.
The manufacturing process for maltodextrin is fairly similar to that of corn syrup, except that maltodextrin is made from cornstarch rather than from corn grits. The starch is first cooked until it reaches gelatinization temperature (around 176°F) and then cooled down so that it can be broken down by enzymes into smaller molecules called dextrins or maltooligosaccharides (MOS). MOS are short chains of glucose molecules linked together by α(1->4) glycosidic bonds between carbon 1 of one glucose molecule and carbon 4 of another glucose molecule in the chain.
After being broken down into MOS, the mixture goes through several more steps including washing with water to remove any remaining protein or ash substances; treating with acid-hydroly sis to break down any remaining starch into glucose; and finally, boiling the solution to evaporate the water out of it.
During the boiling process, the liquid is reduced to a thick syrup that is then dried into a powder. Maltodextrin can be used in many different foods such as desserts and baked goods. It’s also used as an additive in many processed foods such as sauces, soups, sauces and dressings.
Specification
| Appearance | White powder |
| CAS number | 9050-36-6 |
| Chemical formula | C6nH(10n+2)O(5n+1) |
| Molecular weight | 504.5 g/mol |
| Taste | Neutral or slightly sweet. |
Properties
Glycemic Index
It has a high glycemic index ranging from 85 to 105. It will raise blood sugar rapidly, so diabetics should avoid it.
Calorie
Carbohydrates (except polyols) have a caloric value of 17 kJ/g or 4 kcal/g. ( 2)
Solubility
Unlike native starch, maltodextrin is freely soluble in water. As the DE value increases, solubility gradually increases.
What are the health benefits of maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that’s made from corn, rice, or potato starch. It’s an easily digestible form of carbs that can be used in many foods and beverages to add sweetness and thickness.
Maltodextrin health benefits include:
Low glycemic index (GI) rating
Maltodextrin is absorbed slowly in the digestive tract and doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
This makes it suitable for people with diabetes or anyone trying to lose weight by keeping their blood sugar stable throughout the day.
May help manage weight gain
Maltodextrin can slow down digestion so that you feel full longer after eating certain foods that contain it, such as protein shakes. This may help prevent overeating and reduce your risk of becoming overweight or obese over time.
What is the application of maltodextrin?
There are many foods that use maltodextrin to bulk up and improve mouthfeels, such as in baking and beverages. It can also be used to encapsulate sweeteners, vitamins, minerals, and flavors.
The other functions include replacing fat and reducing sugar.
It is also used in energy drinks, infant nutrition, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Food
Fat substitute
In addition to producing viscosity, low DE maltodextrin also emulsifies and thickens. A DE value of 3-5 can mimic the texture and taste of fat and is often used as a carbohydrate-based fat substitute for salads, ice cream, and sausages.
Spray-dried Carrier
In addition to fruit & vegetable juice concentrates and oils, maltodextrin also can be used to spray dry artificial sweeteners (such as stevia and sucralose) and gums into powder form without adding any flavor.
Sugar Reducer
Due to its neutral or slightly sweet taste, it can be used as a bulking agent to increase the volume of food without changing the flavor. Aside from polydextrose, inulin, and resistant starch, other bulking agents used in food are polydextrose, inulin, and resistant starch. The nutrition label lists them as carbohydrates instead of sugar.
Bakery
As a result, it increases the viscosity of bakery premixes and adds body/mouthfeel to the final products.
Beverage
Enhance the mouthfeel and provide a bulking effect.
Baby formula
- Replace lactose & balance sweetness: Maltodextrin and lactose are two of the eight approved carbohydrates in infant formulas by the European Union (EU). As some babies are lactase deficient, maltodextrin can be used as a substitute for lactose to provide energy. The sweetness can also be balanced when used in conjunction with lactose.
- Because it releases more energy more slowly than dextrose, it is beneficial to a baby’s nutritional needs: it is easy to digest and provides energy like other carbohydrates.
Beer Brewing
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide that adds body and mouthfeel to beer without altering its flavor. In addition, it enhances the retention of head foam in beer brewing.
Confectionery
Cold-water solubility, nonhygroscopicity, and low viscosity make it ideal for chewable formulas in children’s products, such as candy.
Convenient Food
As a bulking agent and improve mouthfeels such as in instant sauces and dehydrated soups.
Supplement
Maltodextrin is a plant-based carbohydrate that provides energy like glucose that helps bodybuilders grow muscle faster and more effectively. It is used in protein powder, minerals, and so on.
Sports drinks
Maltodextrin is a source of energy and can be used to replace sucrose or glucose in sports drinks to maintain a low osmolality which benefits sporters a gastric emptying rate and helps reduce gastrointestinal stress as well as enhance water absorption rate during physical exercise.
Dairy
Ice cream and frozen yogurt are stabilized by lowering the freezing point and inhibiting the formation of ice crystals. As a bulking agent, it replaces part of the sucrose and improves texture.
Cosmetics
In cosmetics and personal care products, it acts as an absorbent, binding, emulsion stabilizing, film forming, and skin conditioning agent.
The ingredient can be found in creams, lotions, and hair care products because it is soluble, non-irritating, and cheap.
Pharmaceutical
In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a diluent, a binder, a carbohydrate source, or a coating agent. ( 3)
- In direct compression and wet and dry granulation, a binder/diluent is used
- Capsule and tablet diluents
- Spray-dried active ingredient carrier
- Clinical nutrition carbohydrate source
Is maltodextrin safe for humans?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that’s used as a food additive. It’s made from cornstarch or rice starch, and it contains about 16% to 20% glucose molecules. Maltodextrin is considered safe for human consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Maltodextrin is considered safe when consumed in small amounts. The FDA says you can safely consume up to 10 grams (g) daily of maltodextrin. This amount is equal to about 2 teaspoons (tsp).
Maltodextrin is broken down into glucose molecules in the body, so it does not have any effect on blood sugar levels. The amount of maltodextrin found in processed foods, such as potato chips and yogurt, is very small and is unlikely to cause any harm.
However, excessive consumption of maltodextrin can lead to weight gain, especially if you eat it in large amounts along with other carbohydrates (such as white bread).
What are the side effects of maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is safe for most people when taken by mouth in recommended amounts. However, some people who take large doses of maltodextrin may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and excessive gas. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking this product because maltodextrin may affect blood sugar levels.
Side effects of maltodextrin can include:
Digestive distress. Maltodextrin is a highly processed food, and it may cause digestive problems in people who are sensitive to sugar alcohol or other ingredients in maltodextrin. It may also cause bloating and flatulence, especially if you consume more than a small amount at one time.
Allergic reactions. Maltodextrin is generally considered safe for most people, but some people may have an allergic reaction to it. If you have never consumed maltodextrin before, it’s best to start with just a small amount to see how your body reacts.
Blood sugar fluctuations. Like other refined carbohydrates, maltodextrin can cause blood sugar fluctuations that lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Is maltodextrin safe for pregnant?
Maltodextrin is safe for most adults when consumed in moderation. However, there are no known benefits of consuming maltodextrin during pregnancy. Therefore it should be avoided during this time period unless prescribed by your doctor for medical reasons
Is maltodextrin harmful to the body?
Maltodextrin is not harmful to your body if it is consumed in small amounts. It provides more calories than sugar and can cause weight gain if overconsumed. Maltodextrin can also cause bloating and flatulence if consumed in large quantities because it does not digest easily when taken orally. Maltodextrin breaks down into glucose molecules during digestion, which then enters the bloodstream quickly causing blood sugar levels to rise rapidly.
What is the difference between maltodextrin and dextrose?
Maltodextrin and dextrose are both carbohydrates, but they are different in chemical structure, taste and texture. Both can be used as a sweetener in food products and are often used in sports drinks and other nutritional supplements.
Maltodextrin is a starch that is created from corn or potatoes. It is made by removing the starch from the grain through hydrolysis, which means it is broken down into smaller pieces of glucose. Maltodextrin has a mild taste, but you don’t need to worry about it giving your food any noticeable flavor. It is also an easily digestible carbohydrate that can be used by athletes as a simple source of energy.
Dextrose is another type of carbohydrate that comes from corn or wheat starch. Dextrose is chemically similar to maltose and glucose, but it has a higher molecular weight than either of them because it has more carbon atoms. Dextrose tastes sweeter than maltodextrin does, so if you want something with a stronger sweetness, dextrose may be better for you than maltodextrin
What are the differences between Maltodextrin and Dextrin?
Maltodextrin and dextrin are both carbohydrates, but they are different in their chemical structure, their method of production, and their application.
Maltodextrin is a sugar derived from corn, potato or wheat starch. It is a white powder that resembles cornstarch in appearance. Maltodextrin is easily digestible and absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. It is used primarily as a food additive in sports drinks and energy bars to provide energy to athletes during physical activity. Maltodextrin can also be used as a thickener in processed foods such as salad dressings and sauces.
Dextrin is produced from the hydrolysis of starch by acid treatment or enzymes. Dextrin is a white powder that resembles maltodextrin in appearance but has greater viscosity (thickness) when dissolved in water because it contains more molecular bonds than maltodextrin does. Dextrins are not readily digestible by humans; therefore they are usually used as food additives rather than being added directly to foods or beverages intended for human consumption.
Where to buy maltodextrin powder?
Maltodextrin is a common carbohydrate additive used in many products, from candy to low-calorie foods. It’s made from wheat or corn starch and can be found in many supermarkets, but you also have the option of buying maltodextrin online. You can get it in bulk for a low price and use it as an ingredient in your own recipes.
Amazon carries a wide variety of products from many brands at competitive prices. You can find bags of maltodextrin powder with different weights, so you know exactly how much you’re getting for your money.
A pound of maltodextrin costs $8 on Amazon and includes free shipping if you have an Amazon Prime membership (or free two-day shipping if you don’t). A 2-pound bag would cost $12 with free shipping through Amazon Prime or $20 with standard shipping ($18).
Walmart offers some of the lowest prices on maltodextrin powder available online, but Walmart doesn’t offer free shipping on orders under $50 (and sometimes it’s less than that). Walmart sells 1-pound bags for $6-$8 depending on brand and quantity purchased; 2 pounds cost $9-$11;
How to find the right maltodextrin supplier?
There are many companies that sell maltodextrin. You can find them through an Internet search or by contacting your local food science laboratory.
Here are some tips for finding the right maltodextrin supplier:
Look for a company with a good reputation. Check out their website and see if they have any awards or certifications that indicate their products are high quality.
Ask about what other customers think of the company’s service and product quality.
Ask about product testing procedures, purity levels, and storage conditions.
Inspect samples of the maltodextrin before you make a purchase decision; this will let you evaluate how it looks and feels.
Frequently Asked Questions of Maltodextrin
Is maltodextrin natural or artificial?
Maltodextrin is a natural substance that is derived from starch, which is a complex carbohydrate. It is added to food products to improve the texture, flavor, and shelf life of the product. Maltodextrin can be made from either grain or potatoes.
Is maltodextrin dairy free?
Yes, maltodextrin is dairy free. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that is made from starch. It does not contain milk and should be safe for those with a milk allergy.
Is maltodextrin an artificial sweetener?
It is not an artificial sweetener because it is made from natural ingredients. It is also used as a thickener and humectant in some foods.
Is maltodextrin a preservative?
Maltodextrin is a type of starch, so it’s not a preservative. However, it is often used as an additive in foods to increase shelf life. It can also act as a thickener or emulsifier in food products.
Is maltodextrin and MSG the same thing?
Maltodextrin and MSG are not the same. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in many foods, including rice and potatoes. It is also found in processed foods like ice cream, salad dressing, sauces, and soups.
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer that can be made from protein-rich foods such as tomatoes or mushrooms. It’s used to enhance the flavor of food without adding extra calories or fat. MSG can also be produced synthetically.
Is maltodextrin GMO free?
Yes, maltodextrin is GMO free. However, the raw materials used to produce maltodextrins, such as corn and soybeans, can be genetically modified.
Is maltodextrin halal?
Maltodextrin is halal if it’s derived from sources that are permissible to consume in Islam, such as corn or rice.
Is maltodextrin kosher?
Maltodextrins are considered kosher because they are derived from grains that are permissible for consumption by Jews.
Is maltodextrin vegan?
Maltodextrin may be vegan-friendly if it’s certified as such by a non-profit organization called Vegan Action, but it’s not always clear whether maltodextrin is vegan or not.
Is maltodextrin gluten free?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that comes from corn, rice, or other starchy ingredients. It’s often used as a thickening agent in food products, but it’s also added to some foods for its texture and sweetness. Maltodextrin is not considered gluten-free because it’s made from grains, which contain gluten.
However, some maltodextrins are processed to remove the gluten protein from the grain before they’re used in food manufacturing. If you’re avoiding gluten in your diet because you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (a condition that causes symptoms similar to celiac disease), you’ll need to make sure that any product containing maltodextrin is labeled “gluten-free” or “naturally gluten-free.”
Is maltodextrin good for weight loss?
Some people use maltodextrin as a weight-loss supplement because they believe it will help them burn more calories. However, there’s no evidence that eating maltodextrin directly causes you to lose weight or fat.
Maltodextrin can be useful as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan, however—you’ll see results from eating this carbohydrate if you’re trying to lose weight by cutting calories and increasing your physical activity levels.
Conclusion
If you are looking to increase your energy without any additional caloric intake, Maltodextrin will likely be a good choice for you. It’s also great for weight loss because it can give you the feeling of fullness without adding calories. One problem with Maltodextrin though is that it is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating, especially when consumed in large quantities or when combined with other ingredients like caffeine or sugar alcohols.
If you have any questions about this additive? Let us know in the below comments.
