Top Most Common Filler Ingredients in Kids' Snacks

Flip over almost any packaged snack marketed to kids, and you are likely to see a long list of ingredients, many of which do not offer real nutrition.Filler ingredients are commonly added to make snacks cheaper, last longer, or taste better, but they often do little to nourish growing bodies. In some cases, they may even contribute to digestive issues like constipation, blood sugar spikes, or gut imbalance.

Here are themost common filler ingredients in kids' snacks and why parents may want to limit them.

1. Modified Corn Starch and Other Starches

• Used to thicken, stabilize, or create a chewy texture

• Found in gummies, yogurts, granola bars, and crackers

These starches provide zero fiber, minimal nutrition, and can displace real food ingredients like fruit, oats, or nuts.

2. Maltodextrin

• A highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potatoes

• Acts as a preservative, thickener, and bulking agent

Maltodextrin It has a very high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar without offering fiber or nutrients. Maltodextrin may also negatively impact gut bacteria when consumed frequently (1).

3. Gums (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum)

• Common in yogurts, dairy-free products, snack bars, and sauces to improve texture

Food gums are generally recognized as safe in small amounts but provide no nutrition. Some sensitive kids may experience gas or bloating with higher intake.

4. Natural Flavors

• A vague term that can include dozens of chemical compounds derived from natural sources but highly processed

Natural flavors add taste without adding nutrition. Some "natural flavors" can contain hidden allergens or additives.

5. Dextrin and Soluble Corn Fiber

• Cheap fibers used to bulk up bars, cereals, and processed snacks

Dextrin or soluble corn fiber may help boost fiber claims on labels but does not provide the same gut-friendly benefits as whole food fibers from fruits, vegetables, or oats.

6. Added Sugars (Tapioca Syrup, Cane Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup)

• Used to enhance taste and texture in nearly every kid-targeted snack

Added sugars feed less beneficial gut bacteria and contribute to blood sugar spikes, mood swings, and reduced nutrient density in snacks.

Summary

Filler ingredients are everywhere in packaged kids’ snacks, offering shelf stability and texture but very little real nutrition. When possible, swap snacks full of refined starches and gums for foods that offer real fiber, prebiotics, and nutrients that actually support your kid’s health.