Can You Eat Something Labeled Gluten-Free That Has Maltodextrin in It? | #AskAnne

One of the most frequently asked questions among those who switch to a gluten-free diet is if they can eat foods that have maltodextrin as an ingredient. We asked resident dietitian and Director of Nutritional Services for Dr. Schar USA, Dr. Anne, to help answer this question in our video series #AskAnne.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made from starch. Most commonly it is made from rice, corn or potato - but it could be made from wheat. This is an area where the answer to this question is in a state of change. Due to the new FDA gluten-free labeling law any product labeled gluten-free must be under 20ppm - no matter the source of starch in the maltodextrin. That said any product regulated by FDA would also need to declare if wheat was used it would state maltodextrin (wheat). However, foods regulated by USDA (meat, eggs, poultry) do not follow the FDA regulations and wheat could be an ingredient in the maltodextrin.

Have more gluten-free questions? Ask Dr. Anne on Twitter by tweeting @SCHARglutenfree using #AskAnne and join http://www.ScharClub.com, the ultimate gluten-free community and information resource today.