Maltodextrin is generally used as a thickener or filler to increase the volume of a processed food.

It’s also a preservative that increases the shelf life of packaged foods.

It’s inexpensive and easy to produce, so it’s useful for thickening products such as instant pudding and gelatins, sauces, and salad dressings.

It can also be combined with artificial sweeteners to sweeten products such as canned fruits, desserts, and powdered drinks.

It’s even used as a thickener in personal care items such as lotion and hair care products.