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Answer: Maltodextrin is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: medium. Commonly found in: Gatorade, Quest Protein Bars, Slim Fast.
TL;DR: Maltodextrin is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called glucose polymer. CAS 9050-36-6.
Other names: INS 1400, glucose polymer, corn maltodextrin
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | Gatorade, Quest Protein Bars, Slim Fast, Various instant soup mixes, Coffee-Mate |
| CAS number | 9050-36-6 |
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived by partial hydrolysis of starch — most commonly corn starch in the US, but also wheat, potato, or rice starch. It is a white powder with a mild, slightly sweet taste and is highly soluble. Despite being classified as a carbohydrate, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI of 85–105), often higher than table sugar.
Used as a filler, texture agent, and mild sweetener in processed foods; also serves as a carrier for flavorings and as a bulking agent in low-calorie products.
Maltodextrin's very high glycemic index (GI 85–105) means it causes rapid blood glucose spikes, potentially problematic for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. A 2012 study in PLoS ONE (Bhatt et al.) found that maltodextrin suppressed beneficial gut bacteria (like Lactobacillus) and increased Escherichia coli biofilm formation associated with Crohn's disease. A 2022 study in Nutrients noted maltodextrin's potential to disrupt gut microbiome composition at typical dietary intakes. Regulatory agencies have not restricted its use, but nutrition researchers increasingly flag it as a low-quality carbohydrate.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Maltodextrinwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, and whole food thickeners like potato starch or oat flour provide lower-GI alternatives.
Its GI of 85–105 (higher than table sugar) makes it a concern for blood sugar management in diabetics and pre-diabetics.
US maltodextrin is almost always made from corn and is considered gluten-free. In the EU, wheat-derived maltodextrin must be declared as containing wheat.
It is used as a cheap filler, bulking agent, and quick-energy carbohydrate in sports nutrition products.
No, but it has a higher glycemic index than table sugar and behaves similarly in the body despite not being classified as a sugar on labels.
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