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    1/2/2026 12:00:00 AM

    Fueling Performance in 2026: Smarter Ingredients for Sports and Nutrition

    Performance today goes beyond strength—it’s about recovery, hydration, and total wellness. Consumers expect sports and nutrition products that deliver clean energy, functional benefits, and convenience, whether they’re training at the gym, outdoors, or at home.

    At Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), we partner with formulators to create innovative sports and nutrition solutions that meet these evolving needs. Our specialty ingredients help optimize texture, stability, and energy delivery across a wide range of applications—from ready-to-drink beverages to bars, gels, and supplements.

    Why Osmolality Matters in Sports Drinks
    Hydration is critical for performance. One key factor is osmolality, which measures the numbewr of molecules of solute dissolved in a kilogram of water (solvent). Normal body fluids range from 275–298 mOsm/kg. Drinks with higher osmolality can pull water into the stomach, potentially causing discomfort or cramps.

    MALTRIN® maltodextrin is a gluclose polymer that provides energy with low osmolality, making it ideal for sports beverages. Commpared to simple sugars like dextrose or sucrose, maltodextrins deliver more utilizable energy at higher carbohydrate concentrations without compromising hydration. 

    Solutions for Modern Formulations 


    Dry Mix & Ready-to-Drink Beverages 

    • MALTRIN® maltodextrin disperses quickly in cold water, improving mixability for dry sports drink powders.
    • In protein shakes and meal replacements, MALTRIN QD® enhances dispersion of proteins, gums, and other nutrients while maintaining a neutral flavor and balanced sweetness.

    Bars and snacks

    • MALTRIN® maltodextrin builds solids, moderates sweetness and improves binding in granola and protein bars.
    • INSTANT PURE-COTE® B792 food starch-modified improves adhesion of particulates in bars and adds sheen in clear coatings. 

    Gels & Chews

    • High levels of MALTRIN® maltodextrin deliver quick energy and prevent sugar crystalization, extending shelf life. 
    • In energy chews, maltodextrin enhances texture and controls sweetness to enhance fueling during exercise. 

    Tablets & Supplements

    • MALTRIN QD® maltodextrin acts as a binder and flow aid in tablets and capsules, offering excellent compressibility and smooth mouthfeel.
    • In oral disintegrating tablets, MALTRIN® improves capping and aids rapid disintegration for effective delivery.
    Partner with GPC
    As performance nutrition continues to evolve, GPC is ready to help you create products that meet consumer expectations for functionality, taste, and convenience. Our technical experts provide formulation support and ingredient solutions tailored to your goals. 

    Need Solutions? GPC scientists are here to help you improve your sports and nutrition formulations. For more information, please contact us here or at 563-264-4265. 


    MALTRIN®, MALTRIN QD®,  and INSTANT PURE-COTE® are registered trademarks of Grain Processing Corporation.

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