What Is Maltodextrin and Should It Be in Kids’ Food?

Maltodextrin is a common ingredient found in everything from baby formula and electrolyte drinks to cereals and snacks. But many parents wonder: What exactly is maltodextrin? And more importantly, should it be in your kid’s food? While it’s considered safe by regulatory agencies, there are a few things parents should know, especially if your kid has a sensitive gut, blood sugar issues, or food allergies.

What Is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a white powder made from starch, most commonly corn, rice, or potato that’s processed using enzymes or acids to break it down into shorter chains of glucose. It’s technically a carbohydrate, but it’s not a complex one. In fact, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI) and behaves more like sugar in the body [4].

It’s commonly added to foods to improve texture, extend shelf life, or act as a carrier for vitamins and probiotics. Because it’s tasteless or mildly sweet, it’s especially common in processed snacks, sports drinks, and toddler nutrition products.

Is It Safe for Kids?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies maltodextrin as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used in food [1]. It’s widely used in both adult and pediatric nutrition products, including infant formulas and oral rehydration solutions.

However, “safe” doesn’t always mean “ideal.” There are several factors to consider when it comes to kids:

• Blood Sugar Spikes: Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index than table sugar, which means it can spike blood glucose levels rapidly [2]. For kids with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or even just big swings in energy, this could be a concern.

• Gut Health Effects: Some research suggests that maltodextrin may impair gut microbial balance by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli while suppressing beneficial strains such as Bifidobacteria [3]. This could be relevant for kids with gut issues or weakened immunity.

• Food Sensitivities and Allergies: While maltodextrin is typically stripped of protein, trace amounts from the source crop (like corn or wheat) may remain. This is usually not an issue for most kids, but for those with severe allergies or intolerances, label reading is important.

Should It Be in Kids’ Food?

Occasional consumption of maltodextrin in small amounts, especially as a carrier for vitamins or probiotics—isn’t likely to be harmful. But if it’s showing up regularly in your little one’s diet, particularly in processed snacks, drinks, or supplements, it’s worth a closer look.

Look for alternatives that use whole food sources of carbohydrates and fiber instead of ultra-processed fillers. If you're choosing a supplement or toddler drink, check the ingredient list and aim for options without added sugars or unnecessary additives.

Summary

Maltodextrin is a common food additive that’s generally considered safe but can affect blood sugar and gut health when consumed in large or frequent amounts. It’s worth being mindful of, especially if your kiddo has digestive sensitivities or you're trying to reduce ultra-processed ingredients in their diet.