Wow I’m so late putting this post up today. But better late than never right? I’m heading into two busy weeks at work, so there may be a few days in the next two weeks when I don’t post at all, or I may be putting up really short posts with some pictures.
Anyway this week the topic of What is it Wednesday is Maltodextrin. I’ve found that maltodextrin is a fairly common ingredient in packaged food. It’s even in my antacids. So what is it exactly?
Maltodextrin is a chain of glucose molecules that’s made from starch. It can be made from rice, corn, wheat or potato starch. Like those starches, maltodextrin is considered a carbohydrate. It can be sweet but supposedly contains fewer calories than sugar.
Since it can be sweet, it seems that maltodextrin is often added to foods as a sweetener. I feel like I’ve seen it in cereal before. Wisegeek says it’s also found in instant pudding and gelatin mixes.
It’s definitely a processed food additive, however it is derived from natural sources. The Center for Science in the Public Interest rates Maltodextrin as safe.
What do you think? I tend to trust the CSPI’s opinon. If it’s just boiled down starch then it seems pretty natural (though processed). At least it’s not an artificial sweetner!
Sources:
Wisegeek on Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin Wikipedia
CSPI on Maltodextrin
About.com on Maltodextrin
Everything Is Homemade 