Maltodextrin is apolysaccharide. As a rather common additive to a number of different types of foods, maltodextrin is classified as a sweet polysaccharide. While containing sweet qualities, however, maltodextrin is considered to contain fewer calories than sugar.that is used as afood additive. It is produced fromstarchby partialhydrolysisand is usually found as a creamy-whitehygroscopicspray-driedpowder. Maltodextrin is easily digestible, being absorbed as rapidly asglucose. It might be either moderatelysweetor almost flavorless. It finds useful application in:
1. Confectioneries
Maltodextrin improves the taste, firmness and structure of foods; prevents re-crystallization; and extends shelf life of foods.
2. BeveragesMaltodextrin, adds more flavor, solubility and consistency to beverages. It reduces the sweet taste and helps lower production cost. Maltodextrin can also be used in making ice-cream, fast tea, coffee, etc. It gives improved quality to drinks and foods.
3. Infant foodsMaltodextrin can be used as filler and carrier in infant foods to improve the quality. It has been found to be beneficial to children and infant health.
4. Canned foodsMaltodextrin adds consistency and improves the shape, structure and quality of canned foods.
