Is Maltodextrin Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Maltodextrin is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Maltodextrin on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Gatorade, Quest Protein Bars, Slim Fast.
TL;DR: Maltodextrin is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Maltodextrin: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | medium |
| Where it shows up | Gatorade, Quest Protein Bars, Slim Fast, Various instant soup mixes, Coffee-Mate |
What is Maltodextrin?
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.
Why is Maltodextrin used in food?
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.
What regulators have flagged about Maltodextrin
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 Maltodextrin with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Maltodextrin →
Audited products that don't contain Maltodextrin.
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Maltodextrin and pregnancy: common questions
Is Maltodextrin banned anywhere?
Maltodextrin is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
Should I avoid Maltodextrin during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Maltodextrin?
Commonly found in Gatorade, Quest Protein Bars, Slim Fast, Various instant soup mixes, Coffee-Mate. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Maltodextrin.
What can I use instead of Maltodextrin?
Tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, and whole food thickeners like potato starch or oat flour provide lower-GI alternatives. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Maltodextrin or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- Maltodextrin promotes intestinal colonization by Crohn's disease-associated adherent-invasive E. coli — NCBI/PubMed
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1444 — Maltodextrin — FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.