Maltodextrin Explained: What It Is & Why Root’d Uses It

Maltodextrin has been widely studied and used for decades in both food and medical nutrition, and is generally considered safe when used appropriately. Still, it’s one of those ingredients that often raises eyebrows—mostly because it sounds unfamiliar or gets lumped into “processed” ingredient lists online.

Understanding how it works—and how much is used—makes all the difference.

Let’s break it down.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate powder made from starch—usually corn. Enzymatic processing breaks down starch into shorter glucose chains, making a fine powder that dissolves easily in liquids and has little to no taste.

Because of these properties, maltodextrin is widely used in foods, sports nutrition, and supplements—not as a sweetener, but as a functional ingredient. It helps stabilize formulas, improve texture, and evenly distribute flavor in powdered products.

Despite how often it appears on ingredient labels, maltodextrin is frequently misunderstood—largely because its name sounds technical and is often confused with “malt.”

In reality, maltodextrin is not the same as malt and does not behave like sugar in formulations. In many products, it’s included for functional reasons—such as improving texture, stability, or flavor consistency—rather than for sweetness or calories.

Maltodextrin isn’t inherently harmful. Like most ingredients, how it affects the body comes down to how much is used, what form it’s in, and why it’s included.

Quick energy source

Maltodextrin is digested quickly and provides about 4 calories per gram—similar to table sugar. That’s why it’s often found in sports drinks and recovery formulas to deliver fast fuel and help replenish depleted energy stores, especially during or after intense physical activity.

May help support digestive function*

Some digestion-resistant forms of maltodextrin—such as Fibersol®—have been studied for potential gut health benefits. Research suggests these specific forms may support healthy fermentation in the gut and help improve stool consistency and digestion.

May help inhibit colorectal cell growth*

Laboratory studies have explored whether certain fiber-like maltodextrin derivatives may inhibit colorectal tumor cell growth. While promising, this research is specific to digestion-resistant forms and does not apply to all maltodextrin types.

These benefits explain why maltodextrin is used intentionally in sports and medical nutrition products in larger amounts. That context is very different from how it’s typically used in supplements, where it often appears only in trace amounts for functional reasons.

Concerns around maltodextrin are typically associated with high intake, not trace amounts.

When consumed in higher doses—especially as a main source of carbohydrates—maltodextrin may:

• Cause rapid blood sugar spikes

• Be unsuitable for people managing diabetes or insulin resistance

• Lead to digestive discomfort in those with sensitive stomachs

• Add calories without meaningful micronutrient value

Yes. Maltodextrin is classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and other global food safety authorities when consumed at typical levels.

That said, it’s still a fast-digesting carbohydrate—which means it should be used intentionally, not excessively. Large amounts may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those managing their blood sugar.

Maltodextrin can sound scary, largely due to misinformation online. While it could pose concerns if consumed at the ounce level, that context rarely applies to supplements.

At Root’d, every ingredient must earn its place.

We use a corn-derived maltodextrin in very small quantities (micrograms) as a flavor carrier. Its role is simple and specific: to help ensure the flavor remains consistent throughout each sip.

Without a carrier, flavors in powdered drinks can separate or settle unevenly over time. That can lead to noticeable differences in taste from one packet to the next (obviously something we don’t want you to experience 😉)

You’ll find maltodextrin only in our Bright Strawberry flavor, and only in amounts so small they:

• Don’t meaningfully impact blood sugar

• Don’t act as a sweetener

• Don’t contribute calories in a meaningful way

Maltodextrin is one of those ingredients that’s often misunderstood—not because it’s inherently harmful, but because it’s usually discussed without context.

Its impact depends on the form, the dose, and the reason it’s included. In large quantities, it behaves like a fast-digesting carbohydrate. In trace amounts, used intentionally, it serves a very different purpose.

At Root’d, maltodextrin is used thoughtfully, sparingly, and only where it adds real value to the formula—without changing blood sugar, sweetness, or nutritional quality.

Understanding ingredients means looking beyond the name on the label and focusing on how they’re actually used. That’s the approach we take—and the transparency we believe you deserve. 🥰