Does maltodextrin contain gluten?
In short: Maltodextrin is a processed starch, often made from corn, rice or potato, but it can also be made from wheat. Wheat-based maltodextrin is highly processed, and the EU exempts it from allergen labelling, so an EU label may not name wheat. People with coeliac disease can check for a gluten-free claim or ask the manufacturer or their dietitian.
Maltodextrin is a white powder made by breaking down starch. It is used as a thickener, filler and carrier for flavourings, so it turns up in many packaged foods.
Where it comes from
The starch can be corn, rice, potato or wheat. The processing removes most of the protein, but the label word alone does not tell you the source in every case.
What the label tells you
- EU: Annex II lists wheat-based maltodextrins as an exemption from allergen labelling, so a label may not name wheat.
- US: Wheat is a major allergen, so a food containing an ingredient made from wheat has to declare it.
- Gluten-free claim: In both places this means the food has to stay under 20 ppm of gluten.
What to do
If you have coeliac disease or a wheat allergy, follow the advice of your doctor or dietitian. A wheat allergy is not the same as coeliac disease, and a gluten limit does not address it. When the source matters to you, ask the manufacturer. See also hidden gluten names.
How IngrediLens helps
IngrediLens reads the ingredient list on a label with your iPhone camera and highlights the allergens you chose, including "may contain" statements. It can miss things and is not a medical device, so always check the pack yourself and, if the source of an ingredient is unclear, ask the manufacturer.
Check labels with IngrediLens
Point your iPhone camera at an ingredient list and IngrediLens highlights the allergens you chose and “may contain” statements. Free to start, no account, and your data stays on your device.
Download on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Is maltodextrin made from wheat?
Sometimes. It can be made from several starches, including corn, rice, potato and wheat. The word alone does not always tell you which one was used.
Why does an EU label not say wheat on maltodextrin?
Annex II of the EU food information regulation exempts wheat-based maltodextrins from allergen labelling.
Does a gluten-free claim settle it?
A gluten-free claim means the food has to meet the legal limit of 20 ppm of gluten in the US and the EU. It is the clearest signal on the pack.
