Best Maltodextrin Supplements in 2025 (Top 8: NutraBio, Essencea and More)

Discover the best maltodextrin supplements for fueling your workouts and speeding up muscle recovery. Find the top-rated powders and how to use them effectively.

One scoop can flip your 300‑calorie shake into a calorie bomb. Maltodextrin does that. Fast calories, fast recovery, no chewing required.

You want energy that’s simple, cheap, and mixes into anything. Whether you’re packing on mass, fueling a long ride, or DIYing sports drinks, these powders give you the control — and a few surprising perks in the kitchen too.

The Best Maltodextrin Supplements

1
NutraBio CarboMax Carbohydrate Power Blend
Editor's Choice
NutraBio CarboMax Carbohydrate Power Blend
Formulated for sustained energy and performance
9.2
Amazon.com
2
NOW Foods Carbo Gain Pure Maltodextrin
Premium
NOW Foods Carbo Gain Pure Maltodextrin
Large-format pure maltodextrin for heavy users
9.1
Amazon.com
3
BulkSupplements Maltodextrin Unflavored Powder
Best Value
BulkSupplements Maltodextrin Unflavored Powder
Great budget option for high-calorie needs
9
Amazon.com
4
Nutricost Maltodextrin 4 lb Powder
Best Seller
Nutricost Maltodextrin 4 lb Powder
Reliable, no-frills carbohydrate source
8.8
Amazon.com
5
Muscle Milk Carb Boost Maltodextrin Powder
Certified
Muscle Milk Carb Boost Maltodextrin Powder
NSF-certified carb powder for athletes
8.5
Amazon.com
6
PURE ORIGINAL Maltodextrin Binder & Thickener
Must-Have
PURE ORIGINAL Maltodextrin Binder & Thickener
Great multipurpose binder and unflavored powder
8.2
Amazon.com
7
It's Just! 100% Maltodextrin Mass Gainer Powder
Easy Mix
It's Just! 100% Maltodextrin Mass Gainer Powder
Simple mass gainer-friendly carbohydrate powder
7.9
Amazon.com
8
Essencea Maltodextrin 5 lb Bulk Powder
Bulk Buy
Essencea Maltodextrin 5 lb Bulk Powder
Bulk option with variable consistency reports
7.3
Amazon.com

Editor's Choice
1

NutraBio CarboMax Carbohydrate Power Blend

Formulated for sustained energy and performance
9.2/10
EXPERT SCORE

You’ll benefit from a carbohydrate powder formulated to support sustained muscle endurance with time-released release characteristics. It’s suited for athletes focused on prolonged workouts or those seeking calorie-dense additions for mass gain.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Time-release energy profile for steady fueling
  • Calorie-dense formula helpful for mass gain
  • Unflavored for flexible mixing
  • Reputable supplement brand with quality controls

Cons

  • Higher price than generic maltodextrin bags
  • Less suitable if you want a simple single-ingredient product

NutraBio CarboMax is positioned as a performance carbohydrate powder intended for athletes who need sustained energy and muscle endurance. It’s described as a calorie-rich option for those trying to increase muscle mass or maintain energy levels across long training sessions. The formulation targets both rapid and continuous energy delivery for demanding workouts.

Key features and benefits

  • Engineered for sustained muscle endurance and prolonged energy output
  • High-calorie serving sizes tailored for mass gain and recovery
  • Unflavored to allow combination with proteins, flavors, or electrolytes

Who should use this and how

If you’re doing long hard training sessions, trying to add lean mass, or need a reliable intra-workout carbohydrate, this product is designed to help. Combine it with protein for post-workout recovery or sip it during extended endurance efforts to top up glycogen.

Practical considerations

  • Expect a higher price than commodity maltodextrin, but you pay for a performance-focused formulation.
  • If you prefer a minimal ingredient list, you may prefer pure maltodextrin bags — this product targets performance planning rather than budget DIY.

Premium
2

NOW Foods Carbo Gain Pure Maltodextrin

Large-format pure maltodextrin for heavy users
9.1/10
EXPERT SCORE

You’ll find a very large 12-pound option suited to high-volume users and DIY formulators who value ingredient purity. It’s dependable, unflavored, and known for consistent performance as a carb source in many applications.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Very large 12 lb size ideal for frequent use
  • Pure maltodextrin from non-GMO corn
  • No artificial sweeteners or added ingredients

Cons

  • Dusty and powdery — needs careful handling
  • Can clump and may require a blender or storage in airtight containers

NOW Foods Carbo Gain is a pure maltodextrin carbohydrate powder intended for athletes, formulators, and anyone needing bulk energy in an unflavored format. Its major selling point is scale — a 12-pound bag means you won’t run out quickly if you use it daily in recovery or meal-replacement drinks. The product is also valued for its lack of additives, giving you full control over additives and flavors.

Key selling points

  • Pure maltodextrin derived from non-GMO corn
  • Large 12-pound package for heavy or long-term use
  • Recommended for precise carbohydrate dosing in DIY nutrition

Practical tips and use cases

You can add it to milk or juice for post-run recovery drinks, combine it with protein powders for mass gainer shakes, or use it as a neutral thickening agent in recipes. Because it’s so fine, expect dust during scooping — many users transfer it to airtight containers with a scoop to reduce mess.

Downsides to plan for

  • Keep it sealed and stored to avoid clumping and dust dispersal.
  • If you want a ready-to-use, flavored sports drink, this is a raw building block rather than a finished product.

Best Value
3

BulkSupplements Maltodextrin Unflavored Powder

Great budget option for high-calorie needs
9/10
EXPERT SCORE

You get a high-quality, unflavored maltodextrin at a very competitive price with consistent batch testing. It mixes well for concentrated sports fueling and is versatile for DIY recovery and calorie-dense drinks.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Very cost-effective per calorie
  • Unflavored and gluten-free for easy use
  • Third-party batch testing and cGMP manufacturing
  • Good solubility for most homemade mixes

Cons

  • Can be sticky and syrup-like when concentrated
  • Dusty when scooping — can be messy

BulkSupplements' maltodextrin is aimed at athletes and DIYers who need a pure, high-calorie carbohydrate source without additives. You can use it to bulk up drinks, add calories to homemade gels, or top up carbohydrate content during long endurance efforts. The brand emphasizes cGMP production and third-party batch testing so you can be confident in consistency.

Key features and formulation

  • Pure maltodextrin powder, unflavored and gluten-free
  • Large servings (30 g per serving listed) suitable for high-calorie mixes
  • Manufactured with cGMP standards and batch-tested by third parties

Benefits and practical uses

You can use it to build concentrated ride bottles (users report cramming 1,600 calories into a single bottle), mix with protein for recovery shakes, or thicken homemade sports drinks. It dissolves well enough for most applications and gives a neutral mouthfeel that won’t interfere with added flavors.

Limitations and real-world tips

  • When you mix highly concentrated solutions it becomes sticky; use careful storage and rinsing to avoid a mess.
  • To reduce dust and clumping, use warm water and a blender or shaker for best dissolution.
  • If you need a flavored or electrolyte-balanced product, you’ll need to add those separately.

Best Seller
4

Nutricost Maltodextrin 4 lb Powder

Reliable, no-frills carbohydrate source
8.8/10
EXPERT SCORE

You get a straightforward, non-GMO and gluten-free maltodextrin that’s widely used for DIY sports nutrition mixes. It’s a solid pick if you want a neutral, inexpensive carbohydrate base to customize flavors and electrolytes.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Non-GMO and gluten-free
  • Affordable and large 4 lb size
  • Dissolves reasonably well in warm liquids
  • Free of flavors and sweeteners for complete control

Cons

  • May dissolve better with warm water only
  • No added electrolytes or flavor — you must customize

Nutricost's maltodextrin is designed for people who want a simple, pure carbohydrate powder they can modify to their needs. If you're making your own endurance drink, adding fructose for dual-carbohydrate transport, or compounding a post-workout recovery blend, this gives you a neutral base without extra ingredients.

What you can expect

  • Pure maltodextrin made for easy digestion and rapid energy
  • 4 lb bulk package that provides many servings for athletes or hobbyists
  • Manufactured and tested to third-party standards for quality assurance

Use cases and advantages

You can mix it with electrolytes and flavorings to create a Tailwind-style drink on a budget, or add it to protein shakes for mass-building calories. Many users find it dissolves best in warm water and recommend a frother or blender for smoother results.

Practical notes and drawbacks

  • For long endurance sessions, you may want to combine it with fructose or sucrose to improve carbohydrate absorption.
  • If you prefer a ready-to-drink product with certified formulations, this will require extra prep time and ingredients.

Certified
5

Muscle Milk Carb Boost Maltodextrin Powder

NSF-certified carb powder for athletes
8.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

You get an NSF Certified for Sport carbohydrate powder tailored to athletes who need a trusted source of complex carbs. It’s unflavored and straightforward, built to integrate with training nutrition protocols.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport — tested for banned substances
  • Unflavored and gluten/soy free
  • Designed for athletic preparation, performance, and recovery

Cons

  • Smaller container size for the price compared with bulk brands
  • May clump and require blending for smooth texture

Muscle Milk Carb Boost (CytoCarb) is made with athletes in mind, offering complex carbohydrates that can be customized into your pre-, intra-, or post-workout routine. The NSF Certified for Sport status is a major plus if you compete and need assurance that the product has been screened for banned substances. It’s an unflavored powder so you control the taste and added ingredients.

Features and athlete advantages

  • NSF Certified for Sport and free of common allergens like soy
  • No added sugars, flavors, or colors — pure carbohydrate focus
  • Meant to help customize carbohydrate intake for training needs

How to use and considerations

You can mix it into pre-workout drinks, add it to recovery shakes, or prepare concentrated ride bottles. Users report it mixes well in many contexts but can clump, so a blender or shaker is recommended.

Limitations

  • The package size is modest (about 1.98 lb), so if you use carbohydrates heavily you may prefer larger bulk tubs.
  • Exposure to heat during delivery can be an issue — store in a cool, dry place.

Must-Have
6

PURE ORIGINAL Maltodextrin Binder & Thickener

Great multipurpose binder and unflavored powder
8.2/10
EXPERT SCORE

You’ll get a versatile maltodextrin useful both as a sports carb and as a food binder/thickener. It’s unflavored with no additives, making it handy for culinary and nutraceutical applications.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Unflavored and additive-free
  • Useful as binder, thickener, and for energy
  • Gluten-free and packaged in USA

Cons

  • Not specifically tailored to sports nutrition needs
  • Smaller brand familiarity and fewer large-scale reviews

PURE ORIGINAL Ingredients maltodextrin is marketed as a multifunctional ingredient — unflavored, water-soluble, and additive-free. That makes it a good pick if you want a neutral carbohydrate that can double as a binder or thickener in food preparations, or be used in DIY powdered products like water-soluble herbal mixes.

Features and common uses

  • Unflavored maltodextrin with no additives
  • Useful for making water-soluble powders, binding, or thickening
  • Gluten-free and packaged in the USA

Who should consider it

If you’re formulating edibles, creating your own sports drinks, or need a neutral thickening agent in recipes, this product gives you flexibility. Several users report success using it to create water-soluble cannabis powders or to add body to beverages without changing flavor.

Limitations and handling notes

  • It’s not positioned as a high-performance athlete supplement, so you’ll need to add electrolytes or other components for sport-specific use.
  • As with most fine powders, expect some dust and potential clumping; store in a cool, dry container.

Easy Mix
7

It's Just! 100% Maltodextrin Mass Gainer Powder

Simple mass gainer-friendly carbohydrate powder
7.9/10
EXPERT SCORE

You’ll find a straightforward 100% maltodextrin powder that’s easy to add to shakes for quick calories. It’s a budget-friendly option if you want a neutral carb boost to pair with protein shakes.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • 100% maltodextrin for predictable carb dosing
  • Mixes with any protein shake without changing flavor
  • Affordable 3 lb size suitable for trial or light users

Cons

  • Smaller serving count compared to bulk competitors
  • Limited brand recognition and fewer user reviews

It's Just! 100% Maltodextrin is made for users who want a no-nonsense carbohydrate powder to add calories to shakes and recovery drinks. Because it’s flavorless and dissolves easily, you can slip it into protein shakes or smoothies to raise your calorie intake without altering taste.

Product highlights

  • Pure maltodextrin aimed at mass-building and energy replenishment
  • Non-GMO and rapid absorption for quick use
  • Compact 3 lb package with roughly 38 servings listed

Best use scenarios

Use it to bulk up breakfast smoothies, add post-workout carbohydrates, or make high-calorie shakes without resorting to sugary mass gainer formulas. It’s a convenient option if you’re experimenting with carb dosing and want something that mixes cleanly with protein powders.

Drawbacks to be aware of

  • If you train heavily or use carbs daily, you may quickly outgrow the 3 lb pack and want a bulk alternative.
  • It’s a minimal product — you’ll need to add electrolytes or other nutrients for endurance or complete recovery drinks.

Bulk Buy
8

Essencea Maltodextrin 5 lb Bulk Powder

Bulk option with variable consistency reports
7.3/10
EXPERT SCORE

You can purchase a cost-effective 5 lb bag for general carbohydrate needs, but user reports show mixed experiences on solubility and sourcing. It’s best if you value price and are prepared to test a batch before committing long-term.

Amazon price updated: 17/10/2025 11:09

Pros

  • Affordable 5 lb bulk packaging
  • Good value per calorie for DIY formulations
  • Resealable pouch for convenience

Cons

  • Some users report inconsistent solubility and quality
  • Occasional shipping or packaging complaints

Essencea’s maltodextrin offers a large-format, budget-friendly option for people who build their own sports drinks or need a neutral bulk carbohydrate for recipes. The product is presented as a pure ingredient without fillers, packed in a resealable pouch to maintain freshness.

What reviewers note

  • Pure carbohydrate powder suitable for workout fueling and baking
  • Packaged in bulk with a resealable pouch for storage

Practical advice and caveats

You can use it for pre- and post-workout drinks, or as a baking/thickening adjunct, but some buyers report differences in solubility and taste that raise questions about consistency between batches. If you purchase it, test a small amount in your intended formula first to ensure it meets your expectations.

Final considerations

  • Good price for bulk use, especially if you’re comfortable customizing drinks and adding other carbs like fructose for endurance.
  • If you need guaranteed consistency and provenance, consider brands with more third-party testing and stronger quality-control reputations.

Final Thoughts on the Best Maltodextrin Supplements

best maltodextrin supplements

Choose NutraBio CarboMax if you want CARBOHYDRATE PERFORMANCE, not just calories. Its time‑released carbohydrate blend is ideal for longer training sessions, endurance athletes, and anyone who wants steady muscle endurance during prolonged workouts. Use it during long rides, sustained lifting blocks, or as the base of an intra‑workout mix.

Pick NOW Foods Carbo Gain Pure Maltodextrin if you need bulk, purity, and value. The huge 12‑lb format and single‑ingredient profile make it perfect for high‑volume users, DIY formulators, and people building homemade mass gainers or recovery drinks. It’s unflavored, consistent, and built for heavy use.


What Is Maltodextrin and What Is It Used For?

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate derived from corn starch. After digestion, it breaks down into glucose and maltose, providing a rapid source of energy that’s especially useful in sports and nutritional applications.

Its main function is to supply quick energy during intense physical activity and to support muscle glycogen recovery after exercise. This makes it popular among athletes who train for long durations or have multiple sessions per day.

Although classified as a complex carbohydrate, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (around 95–105), meaning it raises blood glucose and insulin levels quickly when consumed on its own. It’s also used in various products like sports drinks, supplements, soups, and processed foods as an energy source and thickening agent.

Maltodextrin is generally easy to digest, though consuming large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Moderation and proper dilution are recommended for optimal tolerance.

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How to Choose the Best Maltodextrin Supplements

When selecting the best maltodextrin supplement, consider factors such as dosage, added nutrients, and the presence of other carbohydrates. Below are some key points to help you find the right option for your fitness goals.


1. Choose the Right Dosage and Added Nutrients for Your Goal

The ideal dose of maltodextrin depends on your workout intensity and whether you’re using it pre- or post-workout.

Pre-Workout: 15–50 g Combined with Caffeine or Taurine

Maltodextrin is an excellent pre-workout energy source, helping fuel performance and endurance.

  • Light to moderate workouts: 15–25 g
  • Intense sessions: 30–50 g
  • Bulking phases: 25–50 g per 60 minutes of training

Combining maltodextrin with caffeine can enhance focus, alertness, and stamina, while taurine supports muscle contractions and electrolyte balance. Together, they can boost both physical and mental performance.

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Post-Workout: 0.5–1.5 g per kg of Body Weight with Creatine

After training, maltodextrin helps replenish muscle glycogen and supports recovery. The recommended dose is 0.5 to 1.5 g per kg of body weight, which can be adjusted depending on exercise frequency and duration.

Pairing it with creatine may further enhance glycogen restoration and muscle recovery. Many athletes mix maltodextrin powder with creatine in a post-workout shake.

Pro Tip: For every hour of intense training, dilute 30–60 g of maltodextrin in 500–800 ml of water, keeping the concentration between 6% and 8% to ensure efficient absorption and prevent stomach discomfort.


2. For Better Absorption, Choose Maltodextrin Mixed with Other Carbohydrates

If you engage in long or high-endurance workouts, consider supplements that combine maltodextrin with other carbs like dextrose or fructose. Each carbohydrate type uses a different transporter in the small intestine, improving overall absorption and energy availability.

  • Maltodextrin and dextrose are absorbed via the SGLT-1 transporter.
  • Fructose is absorbed through GLUT-5.

Using multiple carb sources allows the body to absorb up to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour, compared to around 60 grams when using maltodextrin alone. This approach helps maintain performance and reduces the risk of digestive issues during long sessions.

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3. For Quick Refueling During Long Activities, Choose Maltodextrin Gel

While maltodextrin is commonly sold as powder, it’s also available in ready-to-use gels—ideal for long-distance runners and cyclists. These energy gels provide convenience, consistent dosage, and fast absorption.

Each gel pack typically contains 20–30 g of carbohydrates with a balanced mix of maltodextrin, dextrose, and fructose at a 6–8% concentration. This combination helps sustain energy and minimize stomach discomfort during prolonged exercise.

Because gels are pre-measured and easy to consume on the go, they eliminate the need for mixing powders, making them perfect for races or endurance training.

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4. If You Get Tired of Flavored Options, Go for Unflavored Maltodextrin

Flavored maltodextrin powders (like orange, lemon, or grape) can be convenient but sometimes become overwhelming with regular use. If you prefer a cleaner option, choose an unflavored maltodextrin.

Unflavored versions are free from artificial sweeteners and colorants, making them ideal for those with sensitivities or who wish to avoid additives. They can also be easily mixed with whey protein, pre-workouts, or fruit juices without changing the taste.

This flexibility helps maintain variety in your routine and makes it easier to incorporate maltodextrin into different beverages and recovery shakes.

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Check Out the Best Maltodextrin Supplements

Still not sure which one to choose? Click the link below to see the best-selling products.

Best Sellers on Amazon

Also Check Out Other Helpful Articles

Take a look at more useful articles that can help you make more informed decisions.

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About the Author

Joshua Brown
Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown brings his creativity and focus to each writing task. He believes content should be useful, engaging, and well-structured.

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