Why do some food brands use fillers like maltodextrin in their products?

By Bloom · 4 November 2026 · 3 min read

Related answer: Same snack, different rules: US and EU food additives · All answers

What is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a white, water-soluble powder derived from starch hydrolysis ^[3][2]. It is widely used in the food industry because it has a neutral taste and helps maintain the quality of packaged goods over time ^[2].

Bloom lists a product only when it has at least 1,000 Amazon ratings, its full ingredient or material list is published, it has no synthetic red flags, food and drinks are organic by nature, and fabrics carry a named organic certification; personal care, baby care, supplements and household products are held to a clean-formula standard instead of an organic one. Nobody pays to be listed.

• Increases food volume
• Acts as a thickening agent
• Extends product shelf life
• Provides a neutral flavor profile

Reading Labels for Fillers

You can find maltodextrin listed on the nutrition labels of many processed or packaged items ^[2]. It often appears in products marketed as low-fat or sugar-free, where it is used to replace the texture or sweetness lost during processing ^[2].

Because maltodextrin is a simple carbohydrate, it is included in the total carbohydrate count on nutrition labels ^[1]. If you are looking to avoid this additive, checking the ingredient list on the back of the package is the most effective way to identify its presence ^[2].

• Check ingredient lists for maltodextrin
• Be aware of its use in low-fat items
• Look for organic labels to avoid GMO sources

Considerations for Your Diet

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that provides four calories per gram, similar to table sugar ^[1]. It is digested quickly by the body, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels after consumption ^[1][2].

Because it is often produced from corn, it is frequently manufactured using genetically modified crops ^[1]. Choosing products labeled as organic ensures that the ingredients are not derived from genetically modified sources ^[1].

• High glycemic index value
• Contains four calories per gram
• Often derived from GMO corn

Comparing Food Products

When comparing two products, look for those with shorter, simpler ingredient lists ^[1]. Products that rely on whole-food ingredients often avoid the need for fillers like maltodextrin entirely ^[1].

For example, choosing raw nut butters or pure oils allows you to select items with only one or two listed ingredients ^[1]. By focusing on products with transparent labeling, you can better understand exactly what is in the food you provide for your family ^[1].

• Prioritize short ingredient lists
• Choose whole-food options
• Verify organic certifications

Identifying Hidden Sources of Fillers

Maltodextrin is frequently added to processed items to improve texture, shelf life, and taste ^[2]. Because it acts as a thickener or filler to increase volume, it often appears in products that might not seem like obvious sources of carbohydrates ^[1][2]. You may find it in instant puddings, gelatins, sauces, and salad dressings ^[1][2]. It is also used in personal care items like lotions and hair care products ^[1].

It is important to watch for products labeled as sugar-free or low-fat, as manufacturers often use this additive to maintain texture or sweetness in these versions ^[2]. While it is a simple carbohydrate with four calories per gram, it is included in the total carbohydrate count on nutritional labels ^[1][2]. Because it is inexpensive and easy to produce, it is commonly manufactured from corn, which is often genetically modified ^[1].

Comparing Quality and Certification

When comparing two products, checking for specific labels can help you understand the quality of the ingredients used. For instance, any food labeled as organic in the United States must be free from genetically modified organisms, which distinguishes it from conventional products that may use maltodextrin derived from GMO corn ^[1]. Looking for these certifications provides more information than the ingredient list alone, as it confirms the product meets specific production standards ^[1].

Beyond food, some brands use third-party certifications to demonstrate their commitment to product standards ^[4][5]. While these certifications often focus on textiles or specific materials, they involve rigorous laboratory testing and regular control checks on store shelves ^[4][5]. Understanding whether a brand undergoes such independent verification can offer insight into their approach to transparency, even if the specific standards differ from those applied to food additives like maltodextrin ^[4][5].

On Bloom’s verified list

As an Amazon Associate, Bloom earns from qualifying purchases. Facts above come from Bloom’s ledger; check the label on your pack.

How Bloom checks a product

Sources

1. What Is Maltodextrin? Safety, Dangers, and More healthline.com
2. Maltodextrin in Food: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety webmd.com
3. Maltodextrin, Modern Stressor of the Intestinal Environment pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. Behind the label: How Pampers ensures the safety of baby products through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification oeko-tex.com
5. Behind the label: How Pampers ensures the safety of baby products through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification oeko-tex.com

Bloom explains labels, ingredients and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.