Few ingredients on Earth are more efficient at inducing obesity and diabetes than this substance.
You may have never heard of maltodextrin, but chances are it is hiding in your pantry and wreaking havoc on your health. This common food additive is found in everything from sauces, cereals, snacks, and protein powders to “sugar-free” foods marketed to diabetics and the low-carb community. Yet few realize the dangerous truth about this widespread ingredient. In fact, many articles support maltodextrin or undermine its effects.
What is Maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate typically derived from corn or wheat, processed down to a fast-digesting white powder used to improve texture and shelf-life in packaged snacks, condiments, and drinks. (Note: 93% of the corn in the US is a GMO or genetically modified organism. Also, maltodextrin made from wheat contains gluten.)
But this laboratory-made compound is no harmless ingredient. Research reveals maltodextrin acts as a supremely potent blood sugar disrupter, spiking insulin and glucose levels higher than actual sugar through a soaring glycemic index of 110-136. By comparison, pure table sugar has an index of only 65.
Inflammation, Gut Damage, and Weight Gain
This surge triggers inflammation, damages healthy gut bacteria, and may contribute to leaky gut syndrome, causing digestive issues like gas and bloating, and other metabolic chaos, making weight loss nearly impossible. These happen to be the leading causes of unwanted belly fat as well.
Yet thanks to influential food corporations, maltodextrin escapes FDA sugar regulations and becomes classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) regardless of its obvious health impacts. It is often legally classified as a “zero carb” food despite containing carbohydrates. These are regulatory loopholes that mislead consumers.
Hidden Health Havoc
With maltodextrin disguised on labels under names like corn syrup, cornstarch, food starch, glucose syrup, and potato starch, consumers end up being more exposed than they realize – often eating over 100 grams per day. Active individuals can also be misled by its inclusion in widely used sports drinks and powders, marketed as energy fuel or recovery drinks. The vast majority of these products contain maltodextrin as the number 1 ingredient!
Take Control with Awareness
While the food industry exploits a lack of public awareness on ingredients like maltodextrin to drive profits over health, we can fight back by staying informed and vigilant. Check labels closely and exclude products containing these ingredients. Vote with your dollars by refusing to enable corporations that adulterate food at public expense.
With awareness and action, we can force change and shut down deceptive practices that market toxins as safe additions to our plates. Eliminating maltodextrin is one solid step towards securing a food supply aligned with human health rather than corporate greed. Our future depends on it.
The Confident Baker Difference
Putting your health first is our most important core value. Unlike many of our competitors who use dangerous substances like maltodextrin, we are committed to only using natural, wholesome ingredients in our products, with many being 100% organic.
No maltodextrin. No artificial flavors. No dyes. No soybean oil. No GMOs. No bleached ingredients. No corn syrups. #Justrealfood
Such an eye-opening post! It’s alarming to learn about the hidden dangers of FDA-approved ingredients that could be affecting our health. Your research is incredibly informative, and it’s a reminder to always be mindful of what we consume. T