What exactly is maltodextrin? Why it's in most of your favourite packaged snacks
Chips, biscuits, instant soups, drink powders, ready mixes, even some of those 'healthy' energy bars — they all have it. It's not a buzzword, not a flavour, and definitely not something most people talk about. But it's everywhere.
So, what is maltodextrin?
It's a fine, white powder made from starch — usually corn, rice, wheat, or potato. It doesn't taste sweet like sugar, but it's still a carb. And a highly processed one at that. It's not added for flavour.
Maltodextrin is used to thicken, blend, preserve, and stabilise. It gives sauces a smooth texture, keeps dry mixes from clumping, helps snacks stay crisp, and makes powders dissolve better. Basically, it helps processed food behave the way we expect it to.
That's why you'll find it in everything from protein powders to masala mixes. It's cheap, neutral-tasting, and extremely functional — a favourite for manufacturers.
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Is it safe?
Yes, technically. It's approved by the FSSAI and global food authorities. In small amounts, it's not considered dangerous. But here's where it gets tricky: it has a very high glycaemic index — even higher than table sugar. That means it can spike your blood sugar quickly, which isn't great news if you have diabetes, insulin resistance, or are just trying to eat a little smarter.
It's not toxic, but it's not bringing anything useful to the table either — no vitamins, no minerals, no fibre.
It's just a processed carb doing its behind-the-scenes job in your snack.
Why is it in so many Indian snacks?
Because it works. Our packaged foods — especially namkeens, powdered chutneys, masala mixes, ready-to-fry snacks, and drink powders — need to stay shelf-stable and survive our weather. Maltodextrin helps with that. It keeps things crispy, smooth, dry, or pourable, depending on the need.
Plus, it hides well. Since it doesn't technically count as 'sugar,' it shows up even in products that claim to be sugar-free or low-fat.
So even when the label looks clean, maltodextrin might still be there, quietly doing its job.
Should you avoid it altogether?
Not really. It's not poison — but it's also not something you want in every single meal. Like most food additives, the problem isn't one bite. It's when your diet is full of processed foods and snacks that include it in every form. That's when it starts adding up, especially if you're trying to manage your blood sugar, inflammation, or overall energy levels.
Your best bet? Check the label. If it's there in a snack you enjoy occasionally, fine. But if it's in your daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and post-workout shake — maybe rethink a few things.
At the end of the day, maltodextrin is one of those ingredients that reminds us why real food matters. It's not scary. It's just a shortcut — one that works for food companies, but doesn't do much for you.
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