Top 10 Foods Highest in Maltose

Written by Daisy Whitbread, MScN

Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules. Maltose is created when seeds start to germinate, hence its name is related to malt used in brewing alcohol. However, most alcoholic drinks do not contain maltose.

Maltose is also created when glucose is caramelized and so may be found in toasted (browned) foods such as breads, crackers, and bagels. Maltose is also added to a wide variety foods.

Foods high in maltose include bread products, candies, cereal bars, energy bars, bagels, pies, processed cereals, crackers, sweet potatoes, honey, and pizza. For more, see the extended list of foods rich in maltose. All the foods listed are intended to be limited or avoided.

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#1: Bread Products (Gluten Free Dinner Rolls)
Up to 8.7% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 roll (36g)
8.7g (2.2 tsp)	3.1g (0.8 tsp)

Other Bread Products High in Maltose (Percent Maltose): French Bread (3.7%), Hamburger and Hotdog Rolls (2.5%), Whole Wheat Bread (1.7%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Candies (Tootsie Rolls)
Up to 6.5% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 serving 6 pieces (40g)	1 piece (7g)
6.5g (1.6 tsp)	2.6g (0.7 tsp)	0.4g (0.1 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Cereal and Energy Bars
Up to 6.2% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 bar (48g)
6.2g (1.6 tsp)	3g (0.7 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#4: Bagels
Up to 5.2% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 large bagel (4-1/2") (123g)	1 medium bagel (3-1/2" to 4" dia) (99g)
5.2g (1.3 tsp)	6.4g (1.6 tsp)	5.2g (1.3 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Pies (Pecan Pie)
Up to 5% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 slice (133g)	1 pie (833g)
5g (1.2 tsp)	6.6g (1.7 tsp)	41.5g (10.4 tsp)

Dutch Apple Pie is up to 1.5% Maltose, and Pumpkin Pie contains 1% Maltose. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#6: Processed Cereals (Malt-O-Meal Golden Puffs)
Up to 4.5% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	3/4 cup (1 NLEA serving) (27g)	1 cup (37g)
4.5g (1.1 tsp)	1.2g (0.3 tsp)	1.7g (0.4 tsp)

Other Cereals High in Maltose (Percent Maltose): Cream of Wheat (2.9%), Lucky Charms (1.7%), Honey Bunches of Oats (1.5%), Kellogs All-Bran (1%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Crackers (Cheese Crackers)
Up to 3.8% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 cup, bite size (62g)	1 cup, crushed (72g)
3.8g (1 tsp)	2.4g (0.6 tsp)	2.8g (0.7 tsp)

Other Crackers High in Maltose (Percent Maltose): Low-Fat Wheat (3.3%), Regular Wheat (2.4%), Saltines (1.7%), Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers (1%).Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#8: Sweet Potatoes
Up to 3.3% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 cup, mashed (328g)	1 medium (151g)
3.3g (0.8 tsp)	11g (2.7 tsp)	5g (1.3 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Honey
Up to 1.4% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 cup (339g)	1 tbsp (21g)
1.4g (0.4 tsp)	4.9g (1.2 tsp)	0.3g (0.1 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#10: Pizza
Up to 1.4% Maltose

Maltose in 100g	1 slice (118g)	1 pizza (947g)
1.4g (0.4 tsp)	1.7g (0.4 tsp)	13.5g (3.4 tsp)

Click to see complete nutrition facts.