Why Do They Put Maltodextrin in Metamucil?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Maltodextrin is an ingredient in Metamucil, used to improve the texture and aid in mixing of the psyllium fiber. This common carbohydrate, often derived from cornstarch, serves multiple functions in processed food and supplements, but its presence in a health supplement raises questions for many consumers.

Quick Summary

This article explores why maltodextrin is included in Metamucil, detailing its function as a texture enhancer, mixing aid, and bulking agent. It also examines the difference between regular and resistant maltodextrin, the health considerations associated with it, and outlines potential alternatives for those who prefer to avoid it.

Key Points

Texture Improvement: Maltodextrin is added to Metamucil to make the psyllium fiber powder dissolve more smoothly, preventing clumps and creating a more palatable liquid consistency.
Mixing Aid: It acts as an emulsifier, ensuring that the heavy psyllium particles are dispersed evenly throughout the liquid when mixed.
Bulking Agent: This carbohydrate is an inexpensive filler that adds volume to the product, ensuring consistent serving sizes and reducing production costs.
Blood Sugar Impact: Regular maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, a concern for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Gut Health Effects: Some research suggests maltodextrin can negatively affect the balance of gut bacteria, which may impact individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions.
Flavor Carrier: In flavored versions of Metamucil, maltodextrin helps carry the flavorings and artificial sweeteners, providing a more consistent and pleasant taste.
Alternatives Exist: For those wishing to avoid maltodextrin, options include pure psyllium husk powder, other bulk-forming laxatives, and natural whole food sources of fiber.

The Purpose of Maltodextrin in Metamucil

Metamucil is a popular fiber supplement, and while its primary active ingredient is psyllium husk, many powdered versions also contain maltodextrin. The addition of this substance serves several key manufacturing and functional purposes. For consumers, these purposes directly impact the user experience, from taste to solubility.

Improved Texture and Mixability

Psyllium husk, the active fiber in Metamucil, is a potent gelling agent. If not mixed properly, it can become a thick, clumpy paste, which is difficult and unpleasant to drink. Maltodextrin acts as a bulking agent and texture enhancer, helping to disperse the psyllium powder more evenly in liquid. This results in a smoother, more uniform consistency that is easier to stir and swallow, ensuring a better user experience.

Bulking and Filler Agent

As a relatively inexpensive and bland carbohydrate, maltodextrin is an effective bulking agent. It adds volume to the powdered product, ensuring a consistent quantity per serving and making it easier to measure. This also helps to extend the shelf life of the product by preventing caking and clumping.

Flavor Carrier

In flavored versions of Metamucil, maltodextrin acts as a carrier for the flavorings and artificial sweeteners. Its neutral taste and excellent solubility allow it to deliver a consistent flavor profile without interfering with the primary ingredients. This is especially relevant in products where non-caloric sweeteners are used, as maltodextrin can provide the necessary bulk that sugar would typically provide.

Regular vs. Resistant Maltodextrin

It's important to understand that not all maltodextrin is the same. The type used in Metamucil is typically a digestible maltodextrin, which is quickly absorbed by the body. However, there is also a digestion-resistant form, which behaves more like dietary fiber.


Key Differences Between Maltodextrin Types	Aspect	Regular Maltodextrin	Digestion-Resistant Maltodextrin
Source	Corn, potato, rice, wheat	Processed from starch to be indigestible
Glycemic Index (GI)	High (105-185), causing blood sugar spikes	Low, with minimal effect on blood sugar
Digestion	Rapidly digested and absorbed	Resists digestion in the small intestine
Primary Function	Bulking agent, texture enhancer	Prebiotic dietary fiber
Caloric Value	High (4 kcal/g)	Low (1.0–2.0 kcal/g)

Health Considerations of Maltodextrin

While considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, the inclusion of digestible maltodextrin in a daily supplement can be a concern for some individuals.

Blood Sugar Impact: Regular maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This is particularly relevant for individuals managing diabetes or insulin resistance.
Gut Bacteria: Some studies suggest that maltodextrin may alter gut bacteria, potentially increasing harmful bacteria and reducing beneficial ones. This could be a concern for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Processed Ingredient: For consumers seeking a cleaner, less processed diet, the presence of a chemically processed additive like maltodextrin may be undesirable.

Alternatives to Metamucil with Maltodextrin

For those who wish to avoid maltodextrin, several alternatives offer similar benefits without this particular additive. These can range from different fiber supplement products to whole food sources of fiber.

Single-Ingredient Psyllium Husk Powder: Many health food stores sell pure psyllium husk powder without any additives. While it may be more difficult to mix and have a less palatable texture, it provides the same fiber benefits.
Other Fiber Supplements: Alternatives like methylcellulose (Citrucel) or calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) are also available and operate differently than psyllium. It is important to compare ingredients and mechanisms of action to find the best fit.
Whole Food Sources: The most natural alternative is to increase dietary fiber through whole foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Ground flaxseed is an excellent example, providing fiber, omega-3s, and a satisfying texture when mixed with liquid.

Conclusion

Maltodextrin is added to Metamucil primarily for functional reasons—to improve the texture, aid in mixing, and act as an inexpensive bulking agent. While generally recognized as safe, its high glycemic index and potential impact on gut health may be a concern for some individuals, particularly those with diabetes or inflammatory bowel conditions. For those who prefer to avoid this additive, several alternatives exist, from single-ingredient psyllium husk to other supplements and whole food fiber sources. Ultimately, understanding the role of maltodextrin allows consumers to make informed decisions about their health and dietary choices. Reading the ingredients list is crucial for anyone seeking a specific dietary profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maltodextrin is a starchy carbohydrate used as an inexpensive additive. It is included in Metamucil to improve the mixability, texture, and bulk of the psyllium powder, making it more palatable for consumption.

The FDA generally recognizes maltodextrin as safe. However, it has a high glycemic index that can affect blood sugar, and some studies suggest it may alter gut bacteria, which could be a concern for certain individuals.

According to the National Celiac Association, maltodextrin is considered gluten-free even when derived from wheat, because the processing removes the gluten. However, always check the product label if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity.

Yes, regular maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, higher than table sugar, which means it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. People with diabetes should factor this into their daily carbohydrate intake.

Yes, alternatives include pure psyllium husk powder, supplements with methylcellulose (Citrucel), or increasing your intake of fiber through whole foods like ground flaxseed.

Pure psyllium husk lacks the dispersing agents like maltodextrin that prevent clumping. Without it, the fiber absorbs water rapidly and forms a thick gel, which can be difficult to stir and drink.

In flavored versions, maltodextrin acts as a carrier for the flavorings and artificial sweeteners, ensuring the taste is evenly distributed throughout the powder and liquid.