Does Stevia Have Maltodextrin? A Guide to Nutrition Diet Labels

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one report, there are over 1,000 stevia sweeteners available on the market. However, the key question for many on a nutrition diet is, does stevia have maltodextrin? The answer is not always straightforward, as the inclusion of fillers like maltodextrin depends entirely on the specific product, not the stevia plant itself.

Quick Summary

Pure stevia extract does not contain maltodextrin, but many commercial stevia blends use it as a bulking agent. This filler can have a high glycemic index, potentially impacting blood sugar levels and gut health. Reading the ingredient list is essential to identify if maltodextrin is present in a stevia product.

Key Points

Maltodextrin is Not Inherent to Stevia: Pure stevia leaf extract is filler-free, but many commercial powdered products blend it with additives like maltodextrin.
Maltodextrin is a Bulking Agent: It is added to concentrated stevia extract to make it easier to measure and to provide bulk for use in baking.
Maltodextrin Can Spike Blood Sugar: It has a high glycemic index, which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, especially concerning for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Check the Ingredient List: To avoid maltodextrin, always check the product label for 'stevia leaf extract' or look for liquid stevia, which is less likely to contain fillers.
Alternative Fillers Exist: Other stevia blends use different fillers like erythritol, allulose, or inulin, which have lower glycemic impacts but may cause digestive issues in some.
Pure Stevia is Highly Concentrated: Because of its intense sweetness, pure stevia extract is very potent and is often sold in liquid or highly concentrated powder form.

The confusion surrounding stevia and its ingredients stems from the difference between pure stevia leaf extract and the processed commercial products found in grocery stores. While the pure, zero-calorie sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant is simply a concentrated extract, its intense sweetness means it needs to be diluted for consumer use. This is where maltodextrin, a cheap and widely available carbohydrate filler, often enters the picture.

What is Maltodextrin and Why is it in Some Stevia Products?

Maltodextrin is a highly processed white powder made from the starches of corn, rice, potato, or wheat. It is used as a thickener, filler, and preservative in a vast array of processed foods, including many sugar substitutes. For manufacturers, using maltodextrin in stevia blends is a practical and cost-effective way to achieve a few key objectives:

Bulking agent: Since stevia extract is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, a tiny amount is enough to sweeten a food or drink. Maltodextrin adds bulk, making the final product easier to measure and use in cooking and baking.
Standardization: It allows manufacturers to create a 'cup-for-cup' replacement for sugar, which is more convenient for consumers.
Cost-effectiveness: As an inexpensive filler, it lowers the overall cost of production for the sweetener.

The Impact of Maltodextrin on Health

Despite its prevalence, maltodextrin is not without its health considerations, particularly for those on a strict nutrition diet or managing certain health conditions. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which is a significant concern for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Moreover, some research has linked maltodextrin consumption to adverse effects on gut health, potentially disrupting beneficial bacteria and increasing the risk of inflammation.

Reading the Ingredients: How to Find Maltodextrin-Free Stevia

To ensure you are purchasing a stevia product without maltodextrin, the most critical step is to read the ingredient list carefully. Don't be fooled by front-of-package claims of 'natural' or 'zero-calorie,' as fillers are common. Look for products that list only 'stevia leaf extract' or specific steviol glycosides (like Reb A or Reb M) on the label. Alternatively, liquid stevia drops are often pure extract suspended in water and don't require bulking agents.

Alternatives to Maltodextrin in Stevia Products

Not all stevia blends contain maltodextrin. Many manufacturers use different types of bulking agents or simply sell pure extract. Here are some common ingredients to look for on labels:

Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is a common alternative filler. It has a very low glycemic index and fewer calories than maltodextrin. However, it may cause digestive upset in some individuals.
Allulose: A rare sugar with a low glycemic index, often used in conjunction with stevia to create sugar-like blends.
Inulin: A type of soluble fiber that can be used as a bulking agent. It may cause gas in some people.
Liquid Extracts: As mentioned, liquid stevia products are often the purest form and are less likely to contain any fillers.

Comparison Table: Pure Stevia vs. Stevia Blend with Maltodextrin


Feature	Pure Stevia Extract	Stevia Blend with Maltodextrin
Ingredients	Only pure stevia leaf extract or steviol glycosides.	Stevia extract plus bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose.
Glycemic Index	Zero. Has no effect on blood sugar levels.	High. Can cause blood sugar spikes, especially in larger quantities.
Uses	Concentrated. Ideal for sweetening beverages like coffee, tea, and smoothies.	'Cup-for-cup' replacement for sugar, suitable for baking.
Taste	Can have a bitter aftertaste, which is more noticeable in less pure forms.	Often has a cleaner, less bitter taste due to the neutralizing effect of the fillers.
Health Impact	Generally considered safe, though some crude extracts are not approved by the FDA.	Potential digestive issues, blood sugar spikes, and concerns for gut bacteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to whether does stevia have maltodextrin is that it is not inherent to the stevia plant itself. Pure stevia leaf extract is free of fillers, but many commercially available granulated or powdered stevia products include maltodextrin as a bulking agent. For those managing blood sugar, gut health, or simply aiming for the least-processed option, reading the ingredient list is non-negotiable. Choosing a pure liquid extract or a blend with alternative fillers like erythritol or allulose can help avoid the potential negative effects of maltodextrin. Empower yourself with this knowledge and make informed decisions about the sweeteners in your diet to support your overall health goals. For further information, consider consulting resources like the International Food Information Council (IFIC) to learn more about different sweetener options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure stevia is a highly concentrated extract from the stevia leaf that contains no other ingredients. A stevia blend, which is what most consumers buy in packets or bags, combines this extract with bulking agents like maltodextrin or erythritol to make it easier to measure and use.

Maltodextrin is a common and inexpensive bulking agent used to dilute the highly potent stevia extract. This allows manufacturers to create a sweetener that can be used as a one-to-one sugar replacement in recipes.

Yes, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, often higher than table sugar. Because of this, it can cause a spike in blood sugar, which is particularly important for people with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar to be aware of.

Some research suggests that maltodextrin may negatively affect the balance of gut bacteria, potentially increasing harmful bacteria and reducing beneficial ones. This could contribute to gut inflammation and digestive issues in some individuals.

You can tell if your stevia product has maltodextrin by reading the ingredient list on the packaging. Look for 'stevia leaf extract' as the sole ingredient or choose liquid stevia, which is typically free of fillers.

Alternatives include pure liquid stevia extract, blends that use erythritol or allulose instead of maltodextrin, and other natural zero-calorie sweeteners like monk fruit.

Yes, potential side effects of consuming maltodextrin can include digestive issues like bloating and gas, blood sugar spikes, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, as it can be derived from wheat.