Dextrin
What is Dextrin?
Dextrin is a type of carbohydrate, a polysaccharide, made by breaking down starches from plants like corn, potato, or tapioca. This breakdown happens through processes involving heat, acid, or enzymes.
Is Dextrin vegan?
Dextrin is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Dextrin gluten-free?
However, it is often made from starches like wheat, which contains gluten, or corn, which is not a major allergen.
Is Dextrin a major allergen?
Dextrin itself is not one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.
What is Dextrin used for?
Manufacturers add dextrin to foods as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer.
Is Dextrin safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes dextrin as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add dextrin to foods as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer. It can also act as a bulking agent or to improve crispness in snacks. It's commonly found in baked goods, sauces, processed snacks, and confectionery.
Health notes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes dextrin as safe (GRAS) for use in food. It is easily digested and absorbed by the body. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated dextrins and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake, considering them to be food ingredients. There are no notable controversies regarding its safety at typical intake levels.
Allergen info
Dextrin itself is not one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA. However, it is often made from starches like wheat, which contains gluten, or corn, which is not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Dextrin
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