Is maltodextrin gluten-free?
Maltodextrin is gluten-free despite its name. In the United States it's almost always made from corn, rice, or potato, and even when derived from wheat, processing reduces gluten far below the FDA's 20 ppm threshold. Outside the US, verify with a gluten-free label to be safe.
When it's safe
- The product is made in the US (FALCPA requires wheat disclosure if present)
- The ingredient list doesn't separately flag "wheat" in the allergen statement
- The product carries a gluten-free certification seal
When to avoid it
- The allergen statement says "contains wheat" (rare but possible outside the US)
- The label explicitly identifies "wheat maltodextrin" without a gluten-free claim
Not sure about a specific product?
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Download FreeFrequently asked questions
Why doesn't maltodextrin contain gluten even when it's made from wheat?
The enzymatic hydrolysis process that produces maltodextrin breaks down gluten proteins below detection limits. The FDA, EU, and Celiac Disease Foundation all consider wheat-derived maltodextrin safe for celiacs.
Is maltodextrin the same as malt?
No. Malt comes from barley and contains gluten. Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate from corn, rice, potato, or wheat — the names are unrelated despite sounding similar.
Is maltodextrin in protein powders gluten-free?
Yes, almost always. Protein powders using maltodextrin are safe, but verify with a gluten-free claim since powders often contain other additives worth checking.