1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Nutrition

Is maltodextrin always corn or is it wheat also?

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated July 03, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Many people have wheat sensitivities.

Many people have wheat sensitivities.

Photo © Simon Templar
Question: Is maltodextrin always corn or is it wheat also?
I have recently found I have extreme intolerance to wheat, including derivatives of wheat. Is maltodextrin always corn or is it wheat also and do these products have to be displayed as wheat and labeled as wheat?

Cally - About.com User

Answer: In the United States, maltodextrin is made from corn, unless specified on the label. However, dextrin can be made from wheat or other ingredients like corn, potatoes, or tapioca. The About.com Celiac Disease GuideSite and Gluten-Free Cooking GuideSite have wheat-free recipes and resources for people who cannot eat wheat.
Explore Nutrition
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Nutrition
  4. Carbohydrates & Fiber
  5. Maltodextrin and Wheat>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.