Can you get stevia without maltodextrin? Find pure stevia options

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Maltodextrin is in over 75% of processed foods in North America, and is often used to bulk up stevia. Fortunately, it is possible to find stevia without maltodextrin by understanding product forms and label information, which ensures a cleaner, zero-calorie choice.

Quick Summary

Pure stevia extract can be found in liquid and highly concentrated powder forms that do not contain maltodextrin, unlike many common powdered products. Consumers can identify these options by carefully checking ingredient labels and understanding why maltodextrin is used.

Key Points

Yes, it's possible: You can find pure stevia in liquid drops or highly concentrated powder forms without maltodextrin or other fillers.
Read ingredient labels: Always check the ingredient list for fillers like maltodextrin, dextrose, or erythritol, especially in powdered products.
Avoid maltodextrin for health: As a high-glycemic-index additive, maltodextrin can spike blood sugar and potentially impact gut health.
Consider liquid drops: Liquid stevia is a reliable, convenient option as it typically contains fewer fillers and is often just stevia extract and water.
Pure extract is potent: Highly concentrated pure stevia powder is very strong, so a very small amount is needed for sweetening.
Check certifications: Organic certifications can be an indicator of a purer product, though label reading is still essential.
Homemade options exist: For the ultimate control, you can make your own liquid stevia extract from dried stevia leaves.

Why Most Powdered Stevia Contains Maltodextrin

Stevia extract comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant and is very sweet—up to 300 times sweeter than table sugar. This concentration makes it hard to measure and use in its pure form. To solve this, manufacturers add bulking agents to increase volume, making it easier for consumers to measure in packets or jars. Maltodextrin, which is a cheap, tasteless powder made from corn, rice, or potato starch, is one of the most common bulking agents used. Other fillers include dextrose and erythritol.

The Health Implications of Hidden Maltodextrin

For many health-conscious consumers, especially those with diabetes or following a keto diet, the addition of maltodextrin defeats the purpose of choosing stevia. Here are the key drawbacks:

High Glycemic Index: Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI), often higher than table sugar, causing rapid blood sugar spikes. This is a concern for individuals with insulin resistance, diabetes, or those managing blood glucose levels.
Gut Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that maltodextrin can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria by suppressing beneficial probiotics and potentially encouraging harmful bacteria like E. coli.
Hidden Sugar: Maltodextrin is classified as a carbohydrate, not a sugar, on nutrition labels. This labeling loophole allows manufacturers to market products as 'sugar-free' even with a high-glycemic additive.

Finding Pure Stevia Without Fillers

If you want to avoid maltodextrin and other fillers, your best options are liquid drops and concentrated pure extract powder. These forms require no added bulking agents, offering the cleanest and most potent versions of stevia.

Pure Stevia Product Options

Liquid Stevia Drops: Often the purest option, consisting of stevia extract, water, and sometimes natural flavorings. They are convenient for sweetening beverages or foods where bulk isn't needed.
Highly Concentrated Pure Extract Powder: Sold in very small containers, this powder is potent, and a tiny 'smidgen' is enough to sweeten a whole recipe. You will not find this in packets, as it would be too concentrated to measure easily.
Whole Stevia Leaf Powder: This is the least processed form, made from dried and ground stevia leaves. While the purest, it is also less soluble and may have a slightly more pronounced aftertaste than refined extracts.

The Label Decoder: What to Watch For

To successfully find a filler-free product, you must become an expert label reader. Here's what to look for:

Short Ingredient Lists: The purer the product, the fewer ingredients it will have. A very pure liquid stevia might just list "stevia leaf extract" and water.
Bulking Agents: Scan the ingredients list for maltodextrin, dextrose, and even sugar alcohols like erythritol or inulin. While not as high-glycemic as maltodextrin, erythritol is still a bulking agent that some prefer to avoid.
Organic Certifications: Brands with organic certification often adhere to stricter standards and are less likely to contain unwanted additives, though a close look at the ingredients is still necessary.

Comparison: Stevia Blends vs. Pure Stevia Extract


Feature	Common Stevia Blends (with Maltodextrin)	Pure Stevia Extract (Liquid or Powder)
Added Fillers	Yes (e.g., maltodextrin, dextrose, erythritol)	No (usually just stevia extract, water, and sometimes natural flavors)
Glycemic Impact	High GI due to maltodextrin, can spike blood sugar	Zero GI, no impact on blood sugar levels
Convenience	Easy to measure in standard packets or spoonable containers	Difficult to measure due to high concentration; requires small spoons or drops
Best For	Casual, less health-focused use where measurement is key	Strict low-carb, diabetic, or ketogenic diets where purity is essential
Cost	Less expensive per package due to cheap fillers, but not per unit of sweetness	More expensive per package, but significantly cheaper per unit of sweetness

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While maltodextrin is a safe and legal food additive, its presence in many stevia products compromises the health benefits for those seeking a truly zero-calorie, zero-glycemic sweetener. By understanding its purpose as a bulking agent and learning to read labels carefully, consumers can easily identify and choose pure stevia alternatives. Opting for liquid drops or concentrated pure powders ensures you get all the sweetness with none of the unwanted fillers, making your sugar substitute a truly clean choice.

For more information on the side effects and potential health implications of maltodextrin, review this detailed article from Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-me

Frequently Asked Questions

Maltodextrin is added to powdered stevia as a bulking and flow agent. Since pure stevia extract is extremely sweet and potent, a small amount is hard to measure. Adding maltodextrin increases its volume to make it easier to package and use, especially in single-serve packets.

While generally considered safe by the FDA, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, a concern for diabetics. Some research also suggests it can negatively affect gut bacteria balance. High consumption may contribute to weight gain.

To avoid maltodextrin, look for products specifically labeled 'pure stevia extract' and check the ingredient list. The ingredient list should be short, ideally just 'stevia leaf extract' and water for liquid versions. Avoid products that list dextrose, erythritol, or maltodextrin.

Liquid stevia drops are much less likely to contain maltodextrin than powdered versions. However, it is still crucial to read the label, as some products may contain other preservatives or flavorings. Look for products with the fewest ingredients possible.

Pure stevia extract powder is highly concentrated and made from refined steviol glycosides from the leaf. Whole stevia leaf powder is the dried and ground leaf, which is less potent, green in color, and may contain other plant compounds that affect taste and solubility.

Because pure stevia is so concentrated, a very small amount is needed. For liquid drops, start with just one drop and adjust to taste. Some powders come with a tiny 'smidgen' scoop to help with accurate measurement. It is wise to start with less than you think you need.

Yes, other common fillers include erythritol and dextrose. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that doesn't spike blood sugar but can cause digestive issues for some people. Dextrose, like maltodextrin, is a carbohydrate that affects blood sugar levels.