# Zero calories soda, but has maltodextrin

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865>\
**Category:** Nutrition Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [February 23, 2025, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865 "2025-02-23T15:36:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![scampos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@scampos](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/scampos)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865/1 "2025-02-23T15:36:05Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865/2 "2025-02-23T15:39:14Z")

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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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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![scampos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@scampos](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/scampos)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865/3 "2025-02-23T16:19:44Z")

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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!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/zero-calories-soda-but-has-maltodextrin/16865/4 "2025-02-24T03:15:53Z")

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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.