Quick Answer: Maltodextrin has a glycemic index of 85-105 — higher than table sugar (65). It spikes blood sugar rapidly and is commonly found in "sugar-free" and "low-sugar" products. Research also suggests it may alter gut bacteria and promote intestinal inflammation.
Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate derived from corn, rice, potato, or wheat starch. Despite often appearing in "healthy" products like protein powders, fiber supplements, and sugar-free foods, it has a glycemic index higher than table sugar. This means it causes rapid blood sugar spikes, making it problematic for diabetics and anyone managing blood sugar. A 2012 study published in PLOS ONE found that maltodextrin promotes the growth of E. coli bacteria and may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. It also suppresses the growth of beneficial probiotics. For athletes, maltodextrin is commonly used as a quick energy source in sports drinks and gels. For everyone else, it's an ingredient worth minimizing.
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No, but maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index than table sugar (85-105 vs 65), meaning it spikes blood sugar even faster.
Protein powders, fiber supplements, salad dressings, sugar-free candies, chips, instant pudding, sports drinks, and many processed foods contain maltodextrin.
CheckIt AI. (2026). "Is Maltodextrin Bad for You? — CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/answers/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-you"Is Maltodextrin Bad for You? — CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/answers/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-you.<a href="https://getcheck.it/answers/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-you">Is Maltodextrin Bad for You? — CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>@misc{checkit2026answersismaltodextrinbadforyou,
title = {Is Maltodextrin Bad for You? — CheckIt AI},
author = {CheckIt AI},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
url = {https://getcheck.it/answers/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-you},
note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05}
}