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Dextrose

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Dextrose is a simple sugar (glucose) made from starch. It counts as an added sugar.

What the evidence review says

Dextrose is a simple sugar (glucose) made from starch. The FDA's earlier review found no hazard at typical uses apart from a contribution to tooth decay. It adds to the added-sugar total that WHO advises keeping low.

Not a novel or petroleum-based chemical. SCOGS found no hazard at then-current food uses other than cariogenicity shared with other simple sugars. As an added sugar it contributes the same kind of free-sugar load that WHO advises limiting. Medical intravenous dextrose is a different route and setting and is not a reason to treat food dextrose as a drug contaminant.

Policy note: FDA has proposed a rule (not final) that would require companies to notify FDA before using a food substance on the basis that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Comments close December 9, 2026. Source: 91 FR 51834, published August 11, 2026, Docket FDA-2025-N-3262 (federalregister.gov, checked 2026-10-19).

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.