Maltodextrin is not phylloxera.

Maltodextrin is a starch food additive that is often used as a thickener or filler in a variety of commercial foods and beverages. Although it is virtually tasteless, it is often described as slightly sweet. Most nutrition experts consider this substance to be "zero-sum" content, meaning it contains very few calories, vitamins or other nutrients. It is most often used in bulk products to add and improve texture and appearance.

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1. Thickening

The use of maltodextrin as a food additive to increase the consistency of a product is one of the most common uses of maltodextrin. Being colorless and odorless, it is an easy and cheap way to add bulk to foods such as oatmeal, salad dressings and commercial sauces. Since it has virtually no nutritional value, it is often dismissed as an empty additive. Although it is possible to get the same viscous effect with something else that is much more healthful, this powder is popular with food processors because it is a great way to cut costs and add bulk.

2. Filling effect

This compound is also often used as a filler in products such as sugar substitutes. This white powder is easy to mix and can expand the number of products without affecting the flavor. Maltodextrin powder itself also looks a lot like sugar, and mixing a few spoonfuls for sale is common. Either way, maltodextrin is less expensive than natural sugar substitutes.

Many pharmaceutical companies also fill pills and capsules with this compound. This is usually not to increase the number of pills, but for stabilization. Encasing the active ingredients in maltodextrin suspends their potency and helps hold them in the capsule to avoid spoilage or degradation.

3. Applications in brewing

Breweries will add some maltodextrin powder during aging to improve the taste when drinking. This has the advantage of making the beer seem fuller without increasing the alcohol content or yeast levels.

4. Benefits for Athletes

Maltodextrin can be ingested as a simple carbohydrate because it can be easily converted into instant energy. This is the reason why athletes love this compound and as a result, it is an ingredient in many sports drinks. Endurance athletes also purchase small packets to add to their water bottles for an energy boost.