With all the talk about simple and complex carbohydrates, it is sometimes confusing knowing what customers are consuming. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate, which means it can break into 2 or more simple carbohydrates. Maltodextrin is processed from the starch of corn, potato, rice, or wheat. Learn more about this popular food additive and how it can improve your products from your food additive supplier, Bell Chem.

The creation of maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is the end product of a process in which a vegetable starch is hydrolyzed, then soaked in acid or enzymes in order to reduce the product to a smaller form. After saturation, maltodextrin is transformed into a water-soluble white powder without much flavor. 

Why would a flavorless product replace sugar?

For many consumers, sugar is more than a flavoring. Instead, it is an integral cellular fuel responsible for sustaining health. In that respect, maltodextrin may be used in a product as an additional supply of necessary calories when no flavor is necessary. Its chemical properties allow it to rapidly supply the human body with the same amount of energy and calories as sucrose. 

Uses for maltodextrin

• Energy and sports drinks are marketed as expedient energy replacements, and adding maltodextrin to these products brings their claims to life. Because it is easily digestible, maltodextrin quickly supplies tired muscles fibers with an energy boost by restoring blood sugar levels.

• Another hot topic as of late is gut health. Maltodextrin promotes fermentation of the digestive system’s bacteria and improves digestion overall.

• When health concerns include rapid weight loss, adding maltodextrin enhances the uptake of carbohydrates to negate fatigue. 

• With its ability to dissolve quickly and its neutral flavor, maltodextrin is often added as a filler in foods requiring carbohydrates, such as energy bars and processed foods. This inexpensive additive easily decreases manufacturing costs of many foods.

• When foods are emulsified, maltodextrin keeps them from separating by absorbing fats within a watery matrix, thus improving consistency. 

• Dressings, gravies, and sauces would be noticeably runnier without the addition of maltodextrin to increase viscosity. 

• In powdered mixes, maltodextrin assists in separating and distributing key flavorings to maintain the same taste with every use. It also decreases oxidation, which increases a product’s shelf life.

• In frozen foods and beverages, maltodextrin maintains the creaminess of the texture by preventing clumps from occurring.

Bell Chem is a food additive supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including many replacements for known food allergens. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.