My diet:

Resistant maltodextrin (Soluble corn fiber)

No E-numberThickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Resistant maltodextrin is treated corn starch.

Gluten-freeYes

Corn is the usual source. A wheat-based dextrin would name wheat.

HalalYes
KosherYes

Corn is kitniyot for Passover.

KetoYes

Most of it is fiber, which is why labels count it that way. It is not zero on every brand's carb line.

Low-FODMAPDepends

Gut bacteria ferment what your enzymes miss, so a large glass can mean gas.

The short answer
Resistant maltodextrin is corn starch rearranged into a soluble fiber. It is not ordinary maltodextrin. The FDA lets labels count it as fiber, and a big dose can still cause gas.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberNone
Comes fromPlant
What it doesThickeners & gums
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledResistant maltodextrin, Soluble corn fiber

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive
🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive
🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Resistant maltodextrin is sold as a fiber ingredient, not as an E-number. The FDA's definition of dietary fiber includes resistant maltodextrin, so a US label can count it as fiber. Ordinary maltodextrin is the digestible powder and does not qualify. Europe and Canada treat the resistant form as a food fiber rather than an additive with its own E-number.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

The powder barely tastes sweet and dissolves clear. Drink mixes and protein bars use it to add fiber without the thickness of a gum.

Where it comes from: Resistant maltodextrin starts as corn starch, like ordinary maltodextrin, and is then heated and rearranged so human enzymes mostly cannot clip it into glucose. What remains is a soluble fiber. Digestion-resistant is the whole point of the extra step.

Why it’s in food

  • Adds fiber to a drink mix
  • Bulks a protein bar
  • Replaces some sugar's volume
  • Sweetens slightly without a glucose spike

Often found in

Fiber drink mixesProtein barsDiet iced teaCerealsSugar-reduced baked goodsSome gummies

Also listed as: Resistant maltodextrin, Soluble corn fiber, Digestion-resistant maltodextrin, Resistant dextrin

Health & gut impact

Counted as fiberBenefit

The FDA includes resistant maltodextrin in the isolated fibers that can be declared as dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label. Ordinary maltodextrin is not on that list.

FDA definition of dietary fiber

FermentationUnder study

Enzymes in the small intestine mostly miss it, and colon bacteria ferment what remains. Gas and bloating are the usual complaint at a large serving.

Digestion studies of resistant maltodextrin

What can I use instead?

Inulin

Ratio: Start low, because inulin ferments hard

Best for: A chicory fiber

Polydextrose

Ratio: Use a similar amount

Best for: Bulk in a reduced-sugar cookie

Related

More thickeners & gums:

Acetylated distarch adipate E1422Acetylated distarch adipate (E1422) is a modified starch used in frozen foods and sauces. It is allowed. The US name on the label is usually just modified food starch, and it still counts as carbohydrate.Generally safeAgar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safeArrowroot (Arrowroot starch)Arrowroot is a tasteless starch from a tropical rhizome. It is vegan and gluten-free, it makes a clear gel, and it is not keto.Use in moderationBeta-glucan (β-glucan)Beta-glucan is the soluble fiber in oats and barley that the FDA's heart-disease claim is about, at 3 grams a day. Barley versions contain gluten. Yeast versions are a different fiber and do not carry that claim.Generally safe

Common questions

Is resistant maltodextrin the same as maltodextrin?

No. Ordinary maltodextrin digests to glucose quickly. The resistant form has been rearranged so most of it acts as fiber.

Is soluble corn fiber keto?

It is a fiber, and that is how US labels count it. Read the brand's math, and expect gas if the serving is large.

Is Resistant maltodextrin safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Resistant maltodextrin is sold as a fiber ingredient, not as an E-number. The FDA's definition of dietary fiber includes resistant maltodextrin, so a US label can count it as fiber. Ordinary maltodextrin is the digestible powder and does not qualify. Europe and Canada treat the resistant form as a food fiber rather than an additive with its own E-number.

Is Resistant maltodextrin vegan?

Yes. Resistant maltodextrin is treated corn starch.

Is Resistant maltodextrin gluten-free?

Yes. Corn is the usual source. A wheat-based dextrin would name wheat.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • FDA definition of dietary fiber
  • Digestion studies of resistant maltodextrin