Short Description

Maltodextrin is a type of polysaccharide used as an additive in foods. It is obtained from vegetable starch by partial hydrolysis process and is a powder that is often white in color, dried with a desiccant spray. It is easily digestible, absorbed almost as fast as glucose and can be sweet or tasteless depending on the degree of polymerization. It is widely used as an additive in the manufacture of soft drinks and confectionery. It can also be used in various other processed foods. Maltodextrin can be produced from all kinds of starch through enzymes. In America, this starch is mostly corn; but in Europe it is mostly obtained from wheat. Maltodextrin is used to increase the taste sensation of food and beverage products. It is also used in some snacks such as potato chips. It is used in peanut butter to lower the fat content but preserve the texture. Maltodextrin is also sometimes taken by athletes in powder form or as a nutritional supplement in energy drinks.