Can I use priming sugar instead of maltodextrin

[jasonshave]

Trying to toss together a recipe and don't have any maltodextrin. Any suggestions for a substitute?

 

[amcclai7]

Corn sugar (100% fermentable, adds alcohol and thins body) will have the exact opposite effect of maltodextrin (0% fermentable adds body). Carapils, flaked wheat or barley, torrified wheat, etc should all help with body.

 

[jasonshave]

So is the priming sugar actually corn sugar?

 

[kh54s10]

How much Maltodextrin is called for. I have never used any. If it is a small amount, just leave it out of the recipe, or substitute per amcclai7's recommendations.

 

[Yooper]

So is the priming sugar actually corn sugar?

Yes, almost always any "priming sugar" sold is corn sugar.

Maltodextrine is a thickener, used in things like pudding, and I've never used it in beer. It really depends on what you're making whether it's needed or not, and if something body building, like carapils, can replace it.

 

[amcclai7]

How much Maltodextrin is called for. I have never used any. If it is a small amount, just leave it out of the recipe, or substitute per amcclai7's recommendations.

I actually really like using it with extract batches. Adds a ton of body with no sweetness or flavor whatsoever. 8 oz is usually enough to make quite a bit of difference. I always wonder if simply steeping carapils is going extract enough dextrins to make a huge difference. In an AG batch I would probably just use carapils but maltodextrin is good there too. Just remember to add it with about 10 minutes to go in the boil. Boiling the whole time will raise O.G. and lessen hop utilization.

 

[kh54s10]

I actually really like using it with extract batches. Adds a ton of body with no sweetness or flavor whatsoever. 8 oz is usually enough to make quite a bit of difference. I always wonder if simply steeping carapils is going extract enough dextrins to make a huge difference. In an AG batch I would probably just use carapils but maltodextrin is good there too. Just remember to add it with about 10 minutes to go in the boil. Boiling the whole time will raise O.G. and lessen hop utilization.

I have not used it mostly because it was never called for in a recipe that I have done.

I do about 90% all grain and use just crystals, carapils or Carafoam which is supposed to do the same thing.

I might have to look into it for extracts this winter before the weather warms an I go outside again.

 

[jasonshave]

I went with caramels instead. Thanks for the response

 

[amcclai7]

I went with caramels instead. Thanks for the response

did you mean carapils? If by caramels you mean crystal malt, that will not significantly aid your beer in terms of head retention or body.

 

[jasonshave]

Sorry autocorrect messed that up. Carapils yes...