Is Maltodextrin the Same as Splenda?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand's own website, original Splenda sweetener packets are primarily composed of maltodextrin and dextrose, with a tiny amount of the intensely sweet sucralose. This reveals that, despite common confusion, maltodextrin is not the same as Splenda; rather, it is a key ingredient used to bulk up the product.

Quick Summary

Splenda is a brand-name sweetener where maltodextrin acts as a primary bulking agent, not the sweetening component. Sucralose is the active, zero-calorie artificial sweetener in Splenda, which requires fillers due to its extreme potency.

Key Points

Not the Same: Maltodextrin and Splenda are not the same product; Splenda is a brand name for a sweetener that uses maltodextrin as a filler.
Splenda's Main Ingredient: The intense sweetening power of Splenda comes from sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar.
Maltodextrin's Role: Maltodextrin is a bulky, flavorless carbohydrate added to Splenda packets to provide volume and texture, making the potent sucralose easier to measure and use.
Different Glycemic Impact: Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes, while sucralose itself is non-caloric and has a negligible effect on blood glucose.
Health Considerations: For those managing diabetes or sensitive to carbohydrates, the maltodextrin content in Splenda should be considered, as it can affect blood sugar levels, especially in larger doses.
Source of Calories: All of the caloric content in a standard Splenda packet comes from its carbohydrate fillers, maltodextrin and dextrose, not from the sucralose.

The question, "Is maltodextrin the same as Splenda?" is a common source of confusion, largely due to the way brand-name products are formulated. While many consumers mistakenly use the names interchangeably, they refer to fundamentally different substances. In simple terms, Splenda is a product that uses maltodextrin as an ingredient, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the composition and function of each is crucial for anyone monitoring their sugar or carbohydrate intake.

What is Splenda?

Splenda is a popular brand name for an artificial sweetener product. The primary sweetening component is sucralose, which is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar. Because sucralose is so potent, bulking agents are added to make it easier to measure and use. Original Splenda packets contain dextrose and maltodextrin as the main fillers.

Active Sweetener: Sucralose.
Fillers: Primarily maltodextrin and dextrose.
Calorie Labeling: Often labeled "zero-calorie" per serving in the U.S. because the caloric content is less than 5 calories.
Properties: Sucralose is heat-stable and can be used in cooking and baking.

What is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made of short chains of glucose, derived from starches like corn, rice, or potatoes. Unlike sucralose, maltodextrin is a fast-digesting carbohydrate with no inherent sweetness. It is frequently used in processed foods as a thickener, filler, stabilizer, or preservative and is found in various products from snacks to sports drinks.

Composition: A carbohydrate (polysaccharide).
Source: Plant starches.
Glycemic Impact: Has a high glycemic index, potentially causing rapid blood sugar spikes.
Nutritional Content: Provides calories (about 4 kcal/g) but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

The Key Differences Between Maltodextrin and Splenda


Feature	Maltodextrin	Splenda
Primary Function	Bulking agent, thickener.	Sweetener (due to sucralose).
Source	Plant starches.	Contains sucralose plus maltodextrin/dextrose fillers.
Sweetness	Minimal to none.	Very sweet (from sucralose).
Glycemic Index	High.	Low/negligible from sucralose, but fillers contribute carbs.
Caloric Content	4 kcal/g.	Minimal calories per serving (mainly from fillers).

The Relationship Between the Two

Maltodextrin is added to Splenda primarily as a bulking agent because sucralose is so intensely sweet that only a tiny amount is needed. This makes measuring and using the sweetener easier for consumers and in food manufacturing. Maltodextrin also helps improve texture and usability. Therefore, a Splenda packet is a blend of a small amount of sucralose with a larger amount of fillers like maltodextrin. This means they are not the same substance or interchangeable ingredients.

Health Implications

The health effects of Splenda and maltodextrin differ. For those managing blood sugar, understanding this difference is important. Maltodextrin is a fast-digesting carbohydrate with a high GI and can raise blood sugar levels. While the amount in a single Splenda packet is small, consuming products with significant maltodextrin can have a notable impact. Some research also suggests potential effects on gut bacteria. Sucralose itself is mostly not absorbed by the body and does not typically affect blood sugar or insulin levels. However, some studies have raised questions about its potential impact on gut flora and stability at very high temperatures. Regulatory bodies like the FDA generally consider sucralose safe within acceptable daily intake levels.

Conclusion

In summary, maltodextrin and Splenda are distinct. Splenda is a brand-name product where sucralose is the artificial sweetener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate used as a filler in Splenda packets. While sucralose is calorie-free, the maltodextrin in Splenda is not and can affect blood sugar, particularly in larger amounts. Recognizing that Splenda is a product containing maltodextrin, rather than being the same substance, is crucial for informed dietary decisions.

Sucralose: Myths and Facts about the Popular Sugar Substitute

Frequently Asked Questions

No, maltodextrin is a polysaccharide—a complex carbohydrate composed of short chains of glucose molecules—and is derived from starch, but it does not taste sweet.

Yes, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI), often higher than table sugar, which can cause a rapid and significant rise in blood sugar.

Maltodextrin and dextrose are added to Splenda as bulking agents to give the product enough volume and texture for easy measurement, since pure sucralose is incredibly potent.

Yes, standard packets of Splenda contain the carbohydrates maltodextrin and dextrose, which serve as fillers for the sucralose.

No, Splenda contains sucralose as its active sweetening component, but the product also includes maltodextrin and dextrose to provide volume.

Splenda packets are legally labeled as "zero-calorie" in the U.S. because the calories per serving are under 5, but the carbohydrate fillers (maltodextrin and dextrose) do contribute a small amount of calories.

Sucralose is a zero-calorie, high-intensity artificial sweetener, while maltodextrin is a fast-digesting carbohydrate that is used as a filler and stabilizer.