Maltodextrin:
Maltodextrine is widely used in Food, confectionary and pharmaceutical industries as a coating material along with glucose syrup. Maltodextrin is used as a bulking agent. It contributes to tenderness of the product, without adding excess sweetness to the original taste. It forms a film/coating over the product and holds the original flavour of the product. It also helps in extending the shelf life of the product. It provides texture, body, and moisture control.
It is used in –
1) Bakery Items- Puddings, Desserts , Cakes, Cookies, Biscuits, Chocolates
2) Ready to eat Soups
3) Ketchups
4) Frozen desserts, Frosting cakes and Cookie Mixes
5) Milk Shakes
6) cocoa powder
7) Milk Powder
8) Tea Powder
9) coffee powder
10) Infant Foods
11) Ice creams
12) Low alcohol beer and other beverages
13) Cheese spreads and margarine spreads
14) Salad dressings
15) Meal replacement powder
16) Weight gain supplements
Pharmaceutical Industries offering post exercise supplements also contain maltodextrin.
Maltodextrin is widely used in protein drinks to increase the amount of calories. It is easily digestible. After heavy exercise or any other strenuous activity, if maltodextrin is taken along with other nutrients, it speeds up the transportation of nutrients to the muscle tissues and cells.