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  • Dirty List

The Dirty List

The Ingredients the Food Industry Doesn’t Explain.

These are the processed and ultra-processed ingredients that show up in everyday products. What they are, where they hide, what the research says, and what you can use instead. No fear. Just facts.

Harmful Ingredients

Maltodextrin

Bisphenol A (BPA) (can lining chemical)

Titanium Dioxide (E171)

Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose)

Emulsifiers (Polysorbate 80, CMC)

Potassium Bromate

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone)

Sodium Nitrite & Nitrates

High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Azodicarbonamide (ADA)

Maltodextrin

Description:

Maltodextrin is a highly processed white powder made from corn, rice, potato, or wheat starch. It’s used as a thickener, filler, and preservative in an enormous range of packaged foods. Despite being derived from plants, it’s so heavily processed that it behaves more like sugar in your body than anything resembling its source material.

Found In:

  • Protein bars and powders
  • Salad dressings and sauces
  • Chips, crackers, and snack foods
  • Instant soups and gravies
  • “Sugar-free” and “low-fat” products (used as bulk filler)
  • Baby food and infant formula
  • Sports drinks and energy gels

Health Impact:

Maltodextrin has a glycemic index of 85-105, higher than table sugar (65). It spikes blood glucose rapidly, which is a concern for anyone managing insulin sensitivity, diabetes risk, or metabolic health. Research also suggests it may alter gut bacteria composition, potentially promoting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli while suppressing beneficial strains. A 2012 study in PLOS ONE found maltodextrin impaired cellular antimicrobial responses.

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Tapioca starch (thickener with lower GI)
  • Arrowroot powder (clean thickener for sauces)
  • Whole food protein sources instead of maltodextrin-heavy protein powders
  • Read labels on “health” foods, many protein bars list maltodextrin as a top-3 ingredient

Learn more: How Carbohydrates Actually Work in Your Body

Scientific Evidence:

  • Nickerson & McDonald (2012, PLOS ONE): Maltodextrin impairs cellular anti-microbial defense mechanisms
  • Glycemic index databases consistently rate maltodextrin at 85-105 (higher than sucrose)
  • Laudisi et al. (2019, Gut Microbes): Maltodextrin promotes pathogenic E. coli adherence to intestinal epithelium
Screenshot of Diet Discipline website

Swap Smart ✅

u274c Protein bar with maltodextrin filler u2192 u2705 Bar with whole food ingredients (dates, nuts, egg whites) u274c Instant gravy packet u2192 u2705 Pan drippings + arrowroot slurrySame convenience u2014 without the blood sugar rollercoaster