What is Maltodextrin and Why is it in Sweeteners?
Maltodextrin is a highly-processed carbohydrate derived from starches, such as corn, rice, or potatoes. It is a white, flavorless powder that serves as an additive in many processed foods. Manufacturers add maltodextrin to powdered sweeteners for a few key reasons:
- Bulking Agent: Because potent sweeteners like sucralose and stevia are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, only a tiny amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness. Maltodextrin is used to dilute these intense sweeteners, making them easier to measure, pour, and handle, especially in single-serving packets.
- Texture and Consistency: Maltodextrin helps improve the texture and mouthfeel of powdered products.
- Stabilizer and Preservative: It helps extend the shelf life of powdered mixes by preventing moisture absorption.
Unlike the artificial sweeteners themselves, which are often zero-calorie, maltodextrin contains calories (around 4 kcal/g) and has a very high glycemic index (GI), meaning it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring blood glucose, this can be a crucial factor to consider when choosing a sweetener.
Which Artificial Sweeteners Contain Maltodextrin?
Several well-known artificial sweetener brands incorporate maltodextrin into their powdered formulations. The most common varieties include sucralose, aspartame, and blends based on stevia and monk fruit.
Sucralose Products
- Splenda: The most prominent example is Splenda, the brand name for sucralose. While the sucralose molecule itself is calorie-free, the yellow packets of Splenda contain maltodextrin and dextrose (glucose) as bulking agents. In fact, the sucralose content is only about 1.1% of a packet, with the majority being these fillers. For this reason, a single packet contributes a small number of calories and carbohydrates.
Aspartame Products
- Equal: Packets of the classic blue Equal sweetener, which contain aspartame and acesulfame potassium, also rely on maltodextrin and dextrose as their primary bulking agents. This provides the volume needed for a convenient, sugar-equivalent serving size.
Stevia and Monk Fruit Blends
- Stevia In The Raw: Many stevia products are not pure stevia extract. Stevia In The Raw, for example, is a blend of stevia leaf extract, dextrose, and maltodextrin. The potent stevia extract is diluted with these carbohydrates to make it measurable for consumers.
- Monk Fruit In The Raw: Similar to the stevia version, the Monk Fruit In The Raw baking bag also uses maltodextrin to dilute the highly potent monk fruit extract.
- Generic Blends: Many lesser-known or store-brand granulated stevia and monk fruit sweeteners also include maltodextrin. It's essential to check the ingredient list, as some brands might use erythritol or other sugar alcohols instead.
The Case of Sweet'N Low (Saccharin)
Unlike the sweeteners mentioned above, the classic pink packets of Sweet'N Low, which contain saccharin, typically do not list maltodextrin as a main ingredient. Instead, they use dextrose and cream of tartar as their primary fillers. While dextrose is also a carbohydrate, it represents a different choice of bulking agent.
The Nutritional Impact of Maltodextrin
For those watching their carbohydrate or calorie intake, the presence of maltodextrin is important for two main reasons:
- Blood Sugar Spikes: With a GI higher than table sugar, maltodextrin can raise blood glucose levels quickly. Diabetics and those with insulin resistance should be particularly mindful of this effect, especially if consuming multiple servings or using it in bulk quantities.
- Gut Microbiota: Some studies suggest that maltodextrin can negatively impact the balance of gut bacteria, potentially harming the protective mucus layer of the intestine. This could be a concern for individuals with digestive issues like Crohn's disease.
Identifying Maltodextrin and Choosing Alternatives
To determine if your sweetener contains maltodextrin, simply check the ingredients list on the packaging. The list prioritizes ingredients by quantity, so if maltodextrin or dextrose is listed first, it is the most abundant ingredient.
For those who wish to avoid this additive, several alternatives exist:
- Pure Extracts: Look for liquid or pure powder versions of sucralose, stevia, or monk fruit. Since they are highly concentrated, they don't require bulking agents. However, they can be much sweeter than expected, so use them sparingly.
- Blends with Erythritol: Some blends use erythritol as a bulking agent, a sugar alcohol that has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels.
- Other Sweeteners: Alternatives like allulose, which is absorbed but not metabolized by the body, are also available.
Comparison Table: Maltodextrin in Popular Sweetener Brands
| Sweetener Type | Common Brand | Contains Maltodextrin? | Typical Bulking Agents | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sucralose | Splenda (packets) | Yes | Maltodextrin, Dextrose | Small amount of calories/carbs per packet |
| Aspartame/Acesulfame K | Equal (packets) | Yes | Dextrose with Maltodextrin | Classic blue packets contain fillers |
| Saccharin | Sweet'N Low (packets) | No | Dextrose, Cream of Tartar | A different carbohydrate filler is used |
| Stevia Blends | Stevia In The Raw | Yes | Maltodextrin, Dextrose | Pure stevia is diluted for measureability |
| Monk Fruit Blends | Monk Fruit In The Raw (baking bag) | Yes | Maltodextrin | Added for volume and ease of use |
| Pure Extracts | Various (liquid/bulk) | No | None | Highly concentrated; no fillers needed |
Conclusion
While artificial sweeteners are commonly used to reduce sugar and calorie intake, it is crucial for consumers to read the ingredient labels carefully. Many powdered versions of popular sweeteners like Splenda, Equal, and various stevia and monk fruit blends contain maltodextrin as a bulking agent. This processed carbohydrate can cause blood sugar spikes and potentially impact gut health, despite the zero-calorie nature of the high-intensity sweetener itself. Being aware of which artificial sweeteners contain maltodextrin empowers individuals, particularly those with diabetes or other health concerns, to make informed choices and seek out alternative products, such as pure liquid extracts or blends with different fillers like erythritol.
For further information on maltodextrin's properties, consider exploring resources like the article from WebMD.
