Maltodextrin

No E-numberThickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant

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Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant starch.

Gluten-freeYes

Even when made from wheat, processing removes gluten to below 20 ppm, the legal gluten-free limit. In the US, wheat-based maltodextrin must still say "wheat" on the label.

Full answer ›

HalalYes

KosherYes

Usually certified kosher. Corn-based versions are kitniyot for Passover.

KetoNo

It's a fast-digesting carbohydrate with a glycemic index higher than table sugar.

Low-FODMAPYes

Not a FODMAP; Monash University lists it as low-FODMAP.

The short answer

Maltodextrin is a starch powder that raises blood sugar faster than table sugar (GI about 110). It's vegan and gluten-free, but not keto-friendly and worth limiting if you watch blood sugar.

62/100

Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberNone

Comes fromPlant

What it doesThickeners & gums

Glycemic index110

Daily limitNot set

Also calledMalto dextrin, Corn maltodextrin

Want the same products without maltodextrin?

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Electrolyte powders without maltodextrin

Hydration mixes sweetened with stevia or monk fruit instead.

Shop clean electrolytes Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Unflavored whey or pea protein, no fillers

Single-ingredient protein powders skip the carrier starch.

Shop filler-free protein Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry swap

Organic inulin fiber powder

Adds body to smoothies without a blood sugar spike.

Shop inulin Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

The FDA lists it as GRAS. In the EU and Canada it counts as a food ingredient, not an additive, so it has no E-number and no daily limit. The real issue is blood sugar, not legality.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Maltodextrin is starch that has been chopped into short chains of glucose. It tastes only slightly sweet, dissolves easily and is very cheap, so it shows up as a filler and carrier in thousands of products.

Where it comes from: Made by breaking down corn, potato, rice, tapioca or wheat starch with acid or enzymes, then spray-drying it into a white powder.

Why it’s in food

Adds bulk and body to powdered drinks and sauces
Carries flavors and sweeteners in seasoning mixes
Gives sports drinks quick-release energy
Improves mouthfeel in low-fat products

Often found in

Sports & electrolyte drinksProtein powdersChips and seasoningsInstant puddingSalad dressingsArtificial sweetener packets

Also listed as: Malto dextrin, Corn maltodextrin, Tapioca maltodextrin, Wheat maltodextrin, Dextrin

Health & gut impact

Blood sugarUnder study

With a glycemic index around 110, it can spike blood sugar more than table sugar (GI 65). Important for people with diabetes.

Atkinson et al., International Tables of Glycemic Index (2008)

Gut bacteriaUnder study

Lab and animal studies suggest it may help some harmful gut bacteria stick to the intestine wall. Human evidence is limited.

Nickerson & McDonald, PLoS One (2012)

Energy for athletesBenefit

Its fast absorption is useful during long endurance exercise.

Jeukendrup, Sports Medicine (2014)

What can I use instead?

Inulin (chicory root fiber)

Ratio: 1:1 by weight

Best for: Bulking powders without the sugar spike

Tapioca starch

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Thickening sauces at home

Allulose

Ratio: 1:1 for sweetness

Best for: Low-sugar drink mixes

Is it gluten-free?

More thickeners & gums:

Agar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safe Carrageenan E407Carrageenan (E407) is a seaweed thickener in plant milks and deli meats. It's approved, but some studies link it to gut inflammation, so people with IBD often avoid it.Use in moderation GelatinGelatin is made from pig, cow or fish parts, so it is never vegan. It's only halal or kosher when certified, because most unlabeled gelatin comes from pork.Generally safe Guar Gum E412Guar gum (E412) is a bean-based thickener. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly, and works best in cold foods like ice cream.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Maltodextrin safe?

Use in moderation (62/100). The FDA lists it as GRAS. In the EU and Canada it counts as a food ingredient, not an additive, so it has no E-number and no daily limit. The real issue is blood sugar, not legality.

Is Maltodextrin vegan?

Yes. Made from plant starch.

Is Maltodextrin gluten-free?

Yes. Even when made from wheat, processing removes gluten to below 20 ppm, the legal gluten-free limit. In the US, wheat-based maltodextrin must still say "wheat" on the label.

Is maltodextrin sugar?

It isn't listed as sugar on US labels, but your body digests it into glucose very quickly, so for blood sugar it behaves like sugar.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 184.1444 (US FDA)
Atkinson et al., International Tables of Glycemic Index (2008)
Nickerson & McDonald, PLoS One (2012)
Jeukendrup, Sports Medicine (2014)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · CAS 9050-36-6