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Maltodextrin Calories
Starch-based rapid energy source, commonly used in sports nutrition
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Maltodextrin (10 g) has 38 calories. That works out to 380 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.5 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 105 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Maltodextrin Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 10 g
38
KCAL / 10G
Carbs
9.5g
· 3% DV
Protein
0g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
Maltodextrin nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (10 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 38 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.5 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 9.5 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Maltodextrin?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 10 g | 38 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 3 g | 11 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 20 g | 76 kcal |
| 1 pack (small) | 50 g | 190 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 380 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 100 g | 380 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 120 g | 456 kcal |
Calculated from 380 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maltodextrin
What is maltodextrin made from?
Maltodextrin is made by breaking starch into shorter carbohydrate chains, usually from corn, rice, potato, or wheat. This industrially processed ingredient is then dried into a powder for use in foods and drinks.
Why is maltodextrin added to packaged foods?
Maltodextrin can add bulk, improve texture, or help keep ingredients evenly distributed. Manufacturers use it in products such as sauces, snacks, powdered drinks, and instant foods because it blends readily and has little flavor of its own.
Is maltodextrin bad for you?
Maltodextrin is not generally considered harmful in the amounts used in foods. It is a rapidly digested carbohydrate with little nutritional value, so products containing it are not a meaningful source of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Is maltodextrin a sugar?
No, maltodextrin is not table sugar; it is a carbohydrate made from starch. Your digestive system breaks it down into glucose, so a product can contain maltodextrin even if its ingredient list has no sugar added.
Does maltodextrin raise blood sugar quickly?
Yes, maltodextrin is digested quickly and can raise blood sugar rapidly. People with diabetes should account for it in carbohydrate planning, especially in sports drinks and powdered products; a clinician can advise on individual needs.
Why do athletes put maltodextrin in workout drinks?
Athletes use maltodextrin in workout drinks as a quickly available carbohydrate, particularly during prolonged or intense exercise. It dissolves into a drink and supplies carbohydrate without making the mixture as sweet as an equivalent amount of table sugar.
Can maltodextrin cause gas or diarrhea?
Yes, large amounts of maltodextrin can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea in some people. If symptoms recur after a particular drink or packaged food, check whether maltodextrin is listed among its ingredients.
Does maltodextrin taste sweet?
Maltodextrin is usually only mildly sweet, or not noticeably sweet, compared with table sugar. Its neutral taste makes it useful in savory foods and powdered mixes as well as in sweet products.
Can maltodextrin help thicken a sauce?
Yes, maltodextrin can add body and improve the texture of some sauces and powdered sauce mixes. It is mainly used as a bulking or texture ingredient, rather than as a strongly sweet flavoring.
Does maltodextrin cause weight gain?
Maltodextrin does not cause weight gain by itself, but frequent consumption of foods and drinks containing it can add to overall energy intake. Sweetened drinks, snack foods, and sports products are common places to encounter it.
Maltodextrin Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
0µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Iron
0.01mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.5mg · 0% DV
Calcium
0.2mg · 0% DV
Magnesium
0mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
0mg · 0% DV
Maltodextrin Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Maltodextrin
To burn the 38 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (10 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a fine, readily dissolving carbohydrate powder made by breaking down starch, often from corn, potatoes or other starchy crops. Its neutral flavour makes it useful in sports drinks and powdered mixes, and manufacturers also use it to add body to some packaged foods.
It is usually stirred into a drink rather than eaten on its own. Around the world, athletes may use it in drinks taken before or during prolonged training; it is not generally an everyday staple. Nutritionally, it is almost entirely carbohydrate: 100 g provides 95 g of carbs. That concentrated energy can suit endurance-focused mixes, while anyone who wants a less energy-dense drink can use a smaller amount or choose water instead.
How Nutritious Is Maltodextrin?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Maltodextrin Processed?
NOVA 4
Ultra-Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Maltodextrin Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Maltodextrin Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Maltodextrin Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.