6 Importance of Maltodextrin as an additive in Food Industry

As a food additive, Maltodextrin has been gaining popularity in the food industry for its various benefits. Maltodextrin is generally used as a thickener or filler to increase the volume of processed food. It's also a preservative that increases the shelf life of packaged foods. It's inexpensive and easy to produce, so it's useful for thickening products such as instant puddings, gelatins, sauces, and salad dressings.

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate derived from corn, wheat, potato, or rice starch. This substance is a low-molecular-weight carbohydrate, white, powdery substance that is commonly used as a food additive, thickener, binder, stabilizer, sweetener, or texture modifier in food products due to its properties of being easily digestible, having a neutral taste, and providing a smooth texture in a wide range of food products, including sports drinks, processed foods, and candy.

One ingredient you'll encounter in many foods is Maltodextrin. It's a common additive in processed foods. But is it bad for you? And should you avoid it?

The importance/benefits of Maltodextrin as an additive

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch and is commonly used as a food additive. It is a polysaccharide, meaning it is composed of multiple sugar units linked together. The sugar units in Maltodextrin are primarily glucose, a simple sugar easily digested and metabolized by the body. Maltodextrin is commonly used in the food industry for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Thickening agent: 

Maltodextrin can thicken and stabilize liquids, such as sports drinks and sauces, due to its ability to form a gel-like substance when mixed with water.

2. Sweetener: 

Maltodextrin is neutral and can be used to sweeten food and beverage products without altering the flavor. It is commonly used with other sweeteners to provide a balanced sweetness profile.

3. Texturizer:

Maltodextrin can improve the texture of food products, such as baked goods, snack bars, and frozen desserts. It helps to retain moisture and prevent spoilage, improving the overall texture and freshness of the food.

4. Calorie source:

Maltodextrin is easily digested and metabolized by the body, making it a good energy source for athletes and active individuals. It is commonly used as an ingredient in sports drinks and energy gels.

5. Preservative: 

Maltodextrin can help extend the shelf life of food products by reducing moisture content and preventing spoilage.

6. Low glycemic index: 

Maltodextrin has a low glycemic index, which is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and provides a steady release of energy, thus making it ideal for athletes and people with diabetes.

Advantages of Using Maltodextrin in food products

The use of Maltodextrin in food products offers several advantages, including:

Extended shelf life: 

Maltodextrin helps reduce moisture content in food products, preventing spoilage and extending the shelf life and making it an ideal ingredient in processed foods, snacks, and baked goods.

Improved texture: 

Maltodextrin can improve the texture of food products by adding body and reducing grittiness. It is commonly used in sports drinks, sauces, and baked goods to improve mouthfeel.

Neutral taste: 

Maltodextrin has a neutral taste, which makes it a versatile ingredient in food products. It can add sweetness and body to food without altering the flavor.

Good source of energy:

Maltodextrin is easily digested and metabolized by the body, making it a good source of energy for athletes and active individuals. It is commonly used in sports drinks and energy gels to provide a quick boost of energy.

Solubility: 

Maltodextrin is soluble in water, making it an ideal ingredient in beverages, sauces, and dressings.

Fat replacer: 

Maltodextrin can replace fat in food products, which can help reduce calorie content and improve texture.

Gluten-free: 

Maltodextrin is derived from corn, potato, or rice, making it a gluten-free ingredient which makes it a suitable ingredient for individuals with gluten intolerance.

In summary, using Maltodextrin in food products provides several benefits, including extended shelf life, improved texture, neutral taste, a good energy source, solubility, fat replacer, and gluten-free. These benefits make Maltodextrin a useful and versatile ingredient in the food industry.

Food that contains Maltodextrin

Some common food items that contain Maltodextrin include processed foods, sports drinks, candy, baked goods, snack bars, and frozen desserts. The versatility of Maltodextrin makes it a useful ingredient in the food industry for many applications.

Maltodextrin is a commonly used ingredient in many types of food products, including:

Sports drinks: 

Maltodextrin is an energy source for athletes and active individuals.

Processed foods: 

Maltodextrin is used as a thickener and texturizer in many processed foods, such as soups, sauces, and condiments.

Candy:

Maltodextrin is used as a sweetener and texturizer in many types of candy, such as gummies and hard candies.

Baked goods:

Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and shelf life of baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

Snack bars: 

Maltodextrin is a binding agent in many snack bars, such as protein bars and energy bars.

Frozen desserts: 

Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and consistency of frozen desserts, such as ice cream and sorbet.

Supplements:

Maltodextrin is used as a filler and binder in many dietary supplements, such as protein powders and vitamins. These are just a few examples of common food items that contain Maltodextrin. Due to its versatility and neutral taste, Maltodextrin can be found in many food products.

Health risks that may be associated with the excessive consumption of Maltodextrin

The Potential Health Risks of Maltodextrin occurs when you eat too many maltodextrin foods mentioned above, your diet's quality is likely below par. You will get too much sugar and low amounts of fiber. Such diets when taken in excess increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and high cholesterol. Learn more below;

Blood sugar spikes:

Maltodextrin is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and can be particularly problematic for individuals with diabetes or other blood sugar-related health issues.

Digestive issues:

Some individuals may experience digestive issues after consuming Maltodextrin, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Maltodextrin is a highly soluble carbohydrate that can rapidly ferment in the gut.

Allergic reactions:

Maltodextrin is sometimes derived from wheat, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance. It is important to check the source of Maltodextrin when consuming food products to avoid potential allergic reactions.

Conclusion:

Maltodextrin is a versatile and beneficial ingredient in the food industry. Its popularity in the food industry is a testament to its many benefits and versatility. Its ability to act as a thickener, filler, and sweetener, combined with its low calorie and low glycemic index, make it an ideal choice for a wide range of food products. 

It's important to keep in mind that consuming Maltodextrin in moderate amounts is generally safe for most individuals. However, individuals with specific health concerns, such as diabetes, gluten intolerance, or food allergies, may need to avoid Maltodextrin or limit their consumption. Before consuming food products that contain Maltodextrin, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Contact GZ Industrial Supplies for all Food additive enquiries in Nigeria.