Zero calories soda, but has maltodextrin

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello,

I have been pre-diabetic a couple of times in recent years, so I am trying to keep my A1C low. I frequently drink a lemon soda that claims to have zero calories per 6.8 fl oz (200 mL). However, I find this hard to believe because it contains maltodextrin.

I am not worried about the calories themselves, but rather about my A1C. Should I stop drinking it? Or should I only drink it when I am already eating something? Or is it nothing to worry about at all?

thank you in advance!

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Clarified Concentrated Lemon Juice*, Vitamins [Niacinamide (B3), Calcium D-Pantothenate (B5), Maltodextrin*, and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6)], Acidity Regulators: Malic Acid and Sodium Citrate, Flavorings, Acidulant Citric Acid, Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate, Stabilizers: Gum Arabic and Ester Gum, Sweeteners: Aspartame (31.5mg/100mL) and Acesulfame Potassium (8.1mg/100mL), and Sequestrant Calcium Disodium EDTA. Provides insignificant amounts of sugar.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving Size: 6.8 fl oz (200 mL)

Amount per Serving %DV(*)
Calories: 0 kcal (0 kJ) 0%
Total Carbohydrates: 0g, of which: 0%
Total Sugars: 0g ✱
Sodium: 86mg 4%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 4.0mg 25%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 2.0mg 40%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.4mg 31%

(*) % Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

2

Based on the label, I don’t think there’s enough maltodextrin in here to yield a significant amount Calories, which would be my primary concern given your history. I don’t think changing when you drink it is going to matter either. Again, my first thought here is total Calories consumed per day and how that relates to your energy needs.

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3

I was a little worried because maltodextrin has a high GI, but it looks like it’s not a big deal.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on my A1C (I see my doctor every four months), and it’s been stable for a year. But that was while I was cutting. My diet and training routine seemed to work during the cut, but let’s see if it holds up while I’m bulking.

thanks!

4

Yea, I tend not to worry about glycemic index in and of itself. Rather, I indirectly favor low glycemic index foods due to their (generally) high fiber content.

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