Maltodextrin is one of many ingredients used by some people who live gluten free but scorned by other equally conscientious celiacs. This is the first of a series of articles dealing with these "maybe yes/maybe no" items.

from Gluten Free Living: "Maltodextrin is gluten free. It can be made from a variety of starches, including corn, potato, rice, or wheat. However, the source does not matter because maltodextrin is a highly processed ingredient that the protein is removed, rendering it gluten free. If wheat is used to make maltodextrin, "wheat" will appear on the label. Even in this case, the maltodextrin would be gluten free."

from About Celiac Disease: Maltodextrin, a common food additive, is a type of sugar that’s made by breaking down starch. Despite its name, maltodextrin does not contain malt.) In the United States, maltodextrin is usually made from rice, corn, or potato. In Europe, maltodextrin is frequently made from wheat. [Note: if wheat was used,that information should appear on the allergens label].

from Celiac.com: Maltodextrin is prepared…by partial hydrolosis of corn starch or potato starch with safe and suitable acids and enzymes. (1) Maltodextrin, when listed on food sold in the USA, must be made from corn or potato. The ruled does NOT apply to vitamin or mineral supplements and medications….all maltodextrins in the USA are made from corn starch.

Published 7/22/09