The ingredient maltodextrin is gluten-free , despite including the word “malt,” which is typically an indication that barley is used. Maltodextrin is a common food additive used in food production. It can be found in a variety of processed foods, including many soft drinks, candies and even some beers.

Is maltodextrin gluten-free?

Maltodextrin is gluten-free. It can be made from a variety of cereal starches including wheat, corn (maize), tapioca and rice. Despite the name, maltodextrins are not produced from, nor do they contain barley malt. Even when maltodextrin has been made from wheat, the grain is processed to remove the gluten.

What is maltodextrin does it contain gluten?

Maltodextrin and gluten

Malt is made from barley, so it contains gluten. However, maltodextrin is gluten-free, even when it's made from wheat. According to the advocacy group Beyond Celiac, the processing that wheat starches undergo in the creation of maltodextrin renders it gluten-free.