Maltodextrin Specification and CoA: What Buyers Should Check

What to check in a maltodextrin specification and CoA: DE range, parameters, microbiology, certificates and a supplier approval checklist.

Quality manager checking a maltodextrin sample against its specification and CoA in a food laboratory
Checking maltodextrin against its specification and CoA

Maltodextrin looks simple: a white, free-flowing powder made from starch. In practice, two lots with the same name can behave very differently in your process. The difference is written in the documents that come with the product. This guide shows buyers, quality managers and formulators what to check in a maltodextrin specification and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) before approving a supplier.

Specification, CoA and SDS: what is the difference?

Three documents are usually requested during supplier approval. Each one answers a different question.

Document What it tells you When you need it
Технические характеристики The agreed limits for every parameter of the product grade Before the first order, for supplier approval
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) The measured results of one specific batch With every delivery
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Handling, storage and safety information For your warehouse and production staff

The specification is the promise, and the CoA is the proof for each batch. Always compare the two side by side.

Maltodextrin specification: identity, source and grade

Start with the basics. A good maltodextrin specification clearly states the product name, CAS number 9050-36-6 and the starch source.

  • Starch source: corn, wheat, potato or tapioca. The source matters for allergen management and labelling.
  • DE value: the dextrose equivalent defines the grade, for example DE 10, DE 15, DE 19 or DE 25.
  • Quality standard: food grade, or pharmacopoeia grade such as Ph. Eur. for pharmaceutical use.

If you are not sure which DE value fits your application, our article on choosing the right DE for spray drying gives a practical overview.

The DE value: check the range, not just the number

“DE 19” on a bag is a nominal value. The specification should give a range for the DE value and name the test method. A narrow, clearly defined range means more consistent sweetness, viscosity, solubility and hygroscopicity from batch to batch. On the CoA, check that the measured DE of each batch falls inside the agreed range.

Physical and chemical parameters

A complete maltodextrin specification usually covers these parameters, each with a limit and a test method:

  • Appearance, colour and odour
  • Moisture or loss on drying
  • pH of a solution
  • Сульфатная зола
  • Bulk density and particle size, if relevant for your process
  • Solubility and clarity of the solution
  • Heavy metals and other contaminants

Bulk density and particle size are often overlooked. They influence dosing, mixing and dust formation, especially in powder blends and tablet production.

Microbiology

Maltodextrin is used in instant products, beverages, food supplements and pharmaceutical formulations. Microbiological limits are therefore essential. Check that the specification includes total plate count, yeasts and moulds, and the pathogens relevant for your product, with the test methods used. The CoA should report results for each batch, not only “complies”.

Certificates and statements

Depending on your market and customers, you may need additional statements. Typical requests are:

  • Non-GMO statement
  • Allergen statement
  • Halal and kosher certificates
  • Pharmacopoeia compliance (Ph. Eur.) for pharmaceutical applications
  • Shelf life and recommended storage conditions

Ask for these documents during supplier approval. Requesting them after the first delivery often delays production.

Maltodextrin specification and CoA checklist for supplier approval

  • Specification with ranges and test methods for every parameter
  • CoA with measured values for each batch
  • SDS in the language of your production site
  • Starch source and allergen information
  • Required certificates (for example halal, kosher, non-GMO)
  • Packaging, labelling and batch traceability
  • A sample from a current batch for your own lab test

FAQ

Is a CoA enough to approve a new maltodextrin supplier?

No. A CoA only describes one batch. For approval you need the specification, and ideally a sample from a current batch that you test in your own process.

Why does the DE value on the CoA differ slightly from the grade name?

The grade name is a nominal value. Every batch has a measured DE within the specified range. What matters is that the result stays inside the agreed range.

Which documents does biolla chemicals provide?

Specification, CoA and SDS are available on request for every grade we supply. Samples are also available on request.

Maltodextrin from biolla chemicals

biolla chemicals supplies maltodextrin made from corn starch in DE 10, 15, 19 and 25. Our maltodextrin is available in Ph. Eur. quality, halal and kosher certified and non-GMO, in 25 kg bags. DE 19 is available from stock in Hamburg, and other grades in approx. 2 weeks. We deliver across Europe.

See all details on our maltodextrin product page: Maltodextrin CAS 9050-36-6

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