Maltodextrin as a Spray-Drying Carrier: How to Choose the Right DE

Spray drying turns liquid flavours, fruit juices, coffee and tea extracts, plant extracts and colours into stable, free-flowing powders. In most of these processes the liquid alone does not dry well: it sticks to the chamber wall, forms lumps or loses volatile aroma. The standard solution is a carrier (also called drying aid or encapsulating agent), and the most widely used carrier in the food industry is maltodextrin (CAS 9050-36-6). This guide explains why, and how to choose the right DE grade.

What a spray-drying carrier has to do

• Raise the glass transition temperature of the solids, so the particles dry instead of becoming sticky.
• Build a matrix around the active material and protect flavours, colours and sensitive compounds from heat and oxygen.
• Add dry matter to the feed and increase yield.
• Dissolve quickly again when the powder is reconstituted.
• Stay neutral in taste, colour and odour.

Maltodextrin fulfils all of these points. It is a white, bland-tasting powder made by partial enzymatic hydrolysis of corn starch, it dissolves readily in water and it is a well-known food ingredient that consumers and buyers accept.

Choosing the DE value

The DE (dextrose equivalent) value describes how far the starch has been broken down. For spray drying it is the most important selection criterion:

As a rule of thumb: the stickier the product you want to dry, the lower the DE you should choose. Fruit juices rich in sugars and acids usually need DE 10 to 15. For extracts and beverage powders, DE 19 is often the most practical choice. The final ratio of carrier to solids should always be confirmed in trials on your own dryer.

Practical tips for formulators

• Dissolve the maltodextrin completely in the feed before atomisation; undissolved particles cause uneven drying.
• Check viscosity: lower DE grades increase viscosity more at the same dry matter.
• Combine carriers where needed: for oil-based flavours, maltodextrin is often combined with an emulsifying carrier such as gum arabic or modified starch.
• Store the finished powder dry and in closed packaging, especially with higher DE grades.
• Keep the grade consistent: switching DE between batches changes drying behaviour. Ask your supplier for a specification and CoA for every batch.

Beyond spray drying

The same properties make maltodextrin a common carrier in plating of flavours on powders, as a bulking agent in dry mixes and as a filler in tablets and sachets. In tablet production it is often combined with microcrystalline cellulose and a lubricant such as magnesium stearate.

Frequently asked questions

Which DE is best for spray drying fruit juice?

Fruit juices are rich in sugars and acids and tend to be sticky, so lower DE grades such as DE 10 or DE 15 are usually the starting point.

Is maltodextrin suitable for Kosher and Halal products?

Our maltodextrin is available Kosher and Halal certified, as well as non-GMO and in Ph. Eur. quality.

Can I get the specification before ordering?

Yes. Specifications for every grade are available on our product page; CoA and SDS are provided on request.

Buy maltodextrin in Europe

biolla chemicals supplies maltodextrin DE 10, 15, 19 and 25 made from corn starch, in Ph. Eur. quality, Kosher, Halal and non-GMO, packed in 25 kg bags. Maltodextrin DE 19 ships from stock, other grades in approx. 2 weeks, with delivery across Europe. Contact us or call +49 40 67 555 155 for an offer.