*Maltodextrin*
Also called: _Glucose polymer, E1451_
It’s a white, tasteless powder made from starch. Think of it as "starch broken down a little bit" — not sweet like sugar, but it dissolves easily and adds body.
# *1. Quick Facts*
**Property** **Detail**
**Source** Corn, rice, potato, wheat, tapioca starch
**Look** White fine powder
**Taste** Neutral / barely sweet
**Solubility** Very soluble in water and cold water
**DE** Dextrose Equivalent 3-20. Lower DE = less sweet, thicker
**Calories** ~4 kcal/g. Same as sugar
**Gluten-free?** Usually yes, even if from wheat. The protein is removed
# *2. How it Works*
Maltodextrin doesn’t add much flavor. It adds:
1. *Bulk* - Makes products feel "full" without sweetness
2. *Carrier* - Holds flavors, colors, vitamins
3. *Texture* - Thickens, prevents